Tyler Smith-skipped rink ready for Canadian juniors, Lenentine leads Island squad to its 1st national jr ch’ship (Guardian)

(by Jason Malloy)

Smith

HUNTER RIVER, P.E.I. – Tyler Smith has been to four national championships, but not with the foursome he will be competing with at this week’s junior competition.

The 18-year-old skip from the Hunter River area and lead Brooks Roche of Montague have been to nationals together in the past. Third Christopher Gallant and second Noah O’Connor joined them this season.

“It was kind of a perfect fit,” Smith said. “We all fit in really well and we started playing really well right out of the gate.”

The Charlottetown Curling Complex squad swept the competition at the Pepsi Provincial Junior Curling Championship in December to earn a berth at nationals.

They left Thursday for Victoria, B.C., where the championship begins Saturday and continues through to Jan. 29. They get a practice session in tonight.

With three years of junior eligibility left after this season, Smith said he’s looking to take the next jump up the standings.

This year’s goal is to make the championship round and finish in the top five.

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Lenentine

CORNWALL, P.E.I. – Lauren Lenentine is excited to compete against the best junior women’s curlers in the country starting Saturday.

The 16-year-old New Dominion native will skip Team Prince Edward Island at the Canadian championship in Victoria, B.C. It is the first time the Cornwall Curling Club team of third Kristie Rogers, second Breanne Burgoyne and lead Rachel O’Connor has made the nationals.

“We’re really excited,” Lenentine said. “We’re really proud to be able to represent our province.”

The squad left Thursday morning and will have an opportunity to practise today before the competition begins Saturday afternoon against Nova Scotia. Lenentine said they have played against Nova Scotia at the Atlantics.

“It’s a whole new experience for us, so (playing a familiar team) will give us a bit of comfort,” said Lenentine, who has five years of eligibility left at the under-21 competition.

Burgoyne, O’Connor and Lenentine have been teammates since 2009 while Rogers joined them this season.

The team has played at the provincial championship since 2012 and was the runner-up in 2015. They swept their way to the Pepsi junior title in December.

Lenentine said she knows they will run into some strong teams from across the country, but they just have to stay focused and concentrate on their game. She said she is looking forward to gaining experience, meeting new people and creating new memories with teammates who are more like family.

“I’ve been with my team for a long time, so they’re kind of like my sisters now.”

Click for full story in today’s Guardian.