CALGARY, Alta. (story by Jason Simmonds)— Geri-Lynn Ramsay is excited to be back on the competitive curling scene in Alberta.
The 32-year-old Summerside native is joining the Calgary-based Kayla Skrlik rink for the 2021-22 season.
Geri-Lynn Ramsay is excited to return to competitive curling for the 2021-22 season. The Summerside native will join the Kayla Skrlik-skipped rink. – Cole Beattie Photo
“Honestly, I am super excited to have Geri-Lynn come onboard,” said Skrlik. “I’m excited that she said ‘yes’ and she’s going to be part of our team for this year.”
Ramsay, who did not curl during the 2020-21 season, said the final positions have yet to be determined, but she will be in the house for Skrlik’s skip shots. The rink also includes Brittany Tran and Skrlik’s sister, Ashton Skrlik.
“Brittany Tran and I are good friends,” said Ramsay, who has 25 years of curling experience. “We played together for three years back when I was skipping.
“We have stayed close friends while she has been gallivanting to the Scotties and mixed doubles. She had me in mind, and they knew they needed someone with a little more experience because the girls are quite young. So, with Brittany’s experience and mine, it made sense.”
Along with experience, Ramsay brings versatility to Team Skrlik. She has played every position but lead and skipped for three years in Alberta.
“Geri meshes really well with the dynamic of our curling team,” said Kayla. “I see Geri being someone who glues our team together dynamically, which is a great asset.
“Also, Geri has played a ton of different positions, so she is someone who is a great player at any role.”
Role reversal
Ramsay, a product of the junior program at the Silver Fox in Summerside, finds herself in a role reversal from when she broke into women’s competition.
Rookies Ramsay and Erin Carmody teamed with veterans Kathy O’Rourke and Tricia MacGregor to earn a silver medal at the 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women’s curling championship in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., dropping an 8-7 extra-end decision to Jennifer Jones in the championship game.
Now Ramsay will be looked upon for leadership.
“Geri has a ton of experience curling in the competitive world,” said Kayla. “She was a natural fit on our team.
“My sister and I, I’m 23, and she’s 22, and Geri brings an experience factor that we didn’t necessarily have on our team before to guide us into the competitive world of curling.”
It’s an opportunity Ramsay is looking forward to, and she believes her experience will be an asset. She likes the makeup of the rink.