The opportunity to compete in the 2021 Home Hardware Canadian mixed doubles curling championship provided much more than wins and losses for two Summerside siblings.

Siblings Lauren, left, and Alex MacFadyen of Summerside discuss strategy during the 2021 Home Hardware Canadian mixed doubles curling championship in Calgary. The MacFadyens, who curl out of the Silver Fox in Summerside, were the P.E.I. representatives. Curling Canada/Michael Burns – Contributed

Although Lauren and Alex MacFadyen, who curl out of the Silver Fox in Summerside, finished play at 1-5 (won-lost), the P.E.I. representatives were both looking at the big picture in a phone interview with the Journal Pioneer on Saturday afternoon.

“The teams in our pool are very good and have a lot of experience in mixed doubles,” said Lauren, 24. “So far, the experience has been incredible to be able to come out to the bubble, and to be able to curl on that type of ice surface is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“To be able to curl against these people you grew up watching on television is another incredible experience. It’s been a great time”

Some of those curlers, Lauren said, are Mark Nichols, third with the Brad Gushue rink; two-time Olympic gold-medallist John Morris, and skip Jennifer Jones.

Alex said playing on arena ice has required an adjustment.

“It’s taking some time to get adjusted and figure out where to put the broom,” said Alex, 22. “It’s a lot faster, and it will curl three feet more than normal curling club ice.

Click the link for the full story by Jason Simmonds in the Journal Pioneer: https://www.journalpioneer.com/sports/local-sports/summerside-siblings-lauren-and-alex-macfadyen-reflect-on-expereince-at-national-mixed-doubles-curling-championship-566624/