Robyn Silvernagle will compete in the mixed provincial playdowns in Estevan this weekend. (Tyler Marr/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Brady Lang

back on the ice

Silvernagle prepares for mixed provincials in Estevan

Mar 27, 2019 | 1:29 PM

This weekend, the provincial curling scene switches to Estevan as the mixed curling provincial play downs will be front and centre at their curling club.

Team Ackerman will be back to defend their title, but will have some worthy opponents looking to steal the crowd. The championship will feature a 24-team triple knockout, with the top eight playing down in a championship draw.

It all starts tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., with the championship draws starting Sunday, and the finals at 5 p.m. that night.

For the North Battleford area, there will be local contingent taking part. The Twin Rivers Curling Club’s Robyn Silvernagle will join Tyler Hartung, with Silvernagle playing third, while Jayden Shwaga and Kara Thevenot round out the foursome. Silvernagle admits it will be different slotting into the third position.

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“I think it will be a lot of fun,” she said. “Sweeping will be fun, and judging rocks. I was playing last weekend at a fun ladies ‘spiel and judging rocks, and [it makes you] appreciate [the] front end.”

In looking toward the competition, Silvernagle admitted her foursome hasn’t had much time on the ice together, but it’s all about getting back into the swing of things after the grueling schedule the Scotties imposed.

“I know for myself it’s an exhausting week and wanted to take a step back and regroup,” she said.

Following the provincials, Silvernagle’s foursome will look to the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling, as they will be playing in two tournaments later on in the year, all starting on April 9 in Toronto. The Player’s Championship will be held at Ryerson, the same site as old Maple Leafs Gardens.

In terms of what to expect, Silvernagle didn’t jump to a major conclusion of winning the play downs, or focusing on making the championship pool. Instead, she hopes to enjoy the time, and get back into the swing of things.

“We should have a decent team, just how we all are as curlers. It is a slippery game, and you never know how these are going to play out,” she said. “It would be cool to win it and have another green jacket.”

Other notable teams in the provincial play downs in mixed are Team Ackerman, led by Jason Ackerman and third Deanna Doig out of the Regina Highland Club. Michelle Englot is also entering a rink, competing with Derek Schneider out of the Regina Highland Club.

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brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangBFN