TEAM BRAD GUSHUE: Walker on Brier 14: “I’ve been fortunate.”
A Beaverlodge product is about to play in his 14th Brier.
Geoff Waker has won six national Men’s curling championships with the Brad Gushue team, one that goes into this year’s edition as Team Canada after winning last year.
Walker says he’s been very fortunate to compete against the best in Canada.
He adds this one doesn’t feel different that the others.
“Now that I’ve been fortunate to go to any many as I have, you sort of know what to expect.”
“We prepare the same way we have in past years and get ready to try and play our best this season.
Team Canada has undergone a lineup change since last year with another Albertan, Brendan Bottcher, now playing second on the Gushue rink.
Walker thinks the change has worked out well…
He says the team has had a couple training camps in St. John’s and arrived in Kelowna early to get in some extra practice.
Team Canada will open against Newfoundland and Labrador, the home province for its skip Gushue and third Mark Nichols, in the opening draw Friday night.
Kevin Koe’s Alberta champions will play Matt Dunstone’s pre-qualified team from Manitoba on opening night.
Draw 1 will start at 7:30 p.m. Alberta time.
Bottcher’s former team, now skipped by Brad Jacobs, will also carry Alberta colours. They open against Yukon Saturday afternoon.
Team Canada is in a pool that includes Koe, Dunstone, Manitoba champion Reid Carruthers, and Northern Ontario winner John Epping.
Walker says this will not be “an easy pool, by any means.”
“We’re going to have to make sure that we are playing our best. If we play our best, we like our chances.”
“It’s (a) very competitive pool, so there could be a number of combinations of teams that are top three that come out and move on the playoffs.”
Walker says his team has only played in Kelowna a couple of times previously. He adds it is a nice time to visit the B.C. city as people are both skiing and getting ready to hit the golf course.
He thinks there will be some people from the Peace coming down to watch.
Walker also says thanks to all his supporters in the Peace, and adds he is proud to be from Beaverlodge and still keeps in contact with a lot of people here.
