CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The flight to Red Deer, Alta., is fast approaching for Team P.E.I.’s women’s curling team.

The Lauren Ferguson-skipped rink from Cornwall, Crapaud and Charlottetown will represent the Island at the 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer, Alta. Team members are, from left, Ferguson, third Katie Shaw, second Alexis Burris, lead Lexie Murray and coach David Murphy. – Contributed

With about five weeks before they hit the ice against the rest of the country, skip Lauren Ferguson and her teammates are prepping almost every day. Alexis Burris, Lexie Murray and Katie Shaw, along with Ferguson, went 2-1 in Moncton during the weekend in their latest installment of pre-Games action.

They also represented P.E.I. at the under-18 nationals in St. Andrews, N.B. in April. The tournament showcased several teams Team P.E.I. will see at the Games, which provided a level of confidence heading into the recent pre-Games tournament in Moncton.

Coach David Murphy is optimistic about the next several weeks, knowing all the hard work from the last two years will start to pay dividends.

While at the Games, the team’s clear goal is to qualify for the playoff round. If successful in achieving this feat, the group knows anything can happen. Murphy describes the team morale as a significant part of their optimistic chances at the Games.
“They are very upbeat, confident and supportive of each other. It’s a team sport, and they are very aware of that.”
He talked about how the parents have led by example, providing an immense amount of support to the team.
“We wouldn’t be here without the team (member’s) parents.”

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Jared Murphy is a sport co-ordinator with Sport P.E.I. and will be assistant chef de mission for Team P.E.I. during Week 2 of the 2019 Canada Games.