Canadian junior women return home with Silver!

The Canadian Junior Ladies Champions from Saskatoon and the Nutana Curling Club have just returned home from the World Championships with a Silver medal in an unbelievable comeback. Team Canada started the round robin slowly, struggling with the new environment and a little with the ice. After day 3 they were tied for last place.   However, after a midweek regroup, the team came out firing and won 6 straight games, beating some very strong teams at the top of the standings:  Russia, USA, and Scotland. Team Canada – Skip, Trish Paulsen, Third, Kari Kennedy, 2nd, Kari Paulsen, Lead, Natalie Yanko, 5th, Dailene Sivertson, and coach Bob Miller – earned their way into a tie break game against USA.  The team dominated the game and knocked off the USA team 9-3.  It was an incredible performance by the team, with Trish Paulsen playing a solid 90%.  This win gave Team Canada sole possession of 4th place and the right to play in the 3-4 game against defending the World Champions from Sweden.  Team Canada again showed their dominance with a team performance of 84% and a win over Sweden 9 – 6.  They were now on their way to the World JR championships semi final where they would face second place Russia. The semi final was tight until Team Canada grabbed a 3 point lead heading into the second half of the game.   They maintained their composure and control of the game beating the Russians 9 – 7 in 10 ends. After what felt to be an emotional and mental roller coaster ride, Trish, Kari, Kari, Natalie, Dailene and Bob were in the final of the 2011 World Junior Championships against the favoured and host team, Scotland skipped by Eve Muirhead, who has won 3 World titles and is aiming to be the only skip to win 4. Unfortunately for the Canadian Women, it was not to be.   The comeback would fall one game short of a World title.  The team started off strong but gave up a huge steal of 3 in the 4th end which led team Scotland to victory.  The final score was 10 – 3.  Trish Paulsen made a perfect draw against 3 on her last rock to score the last point of her junior career.  The teams shook after 8. Final Placing for the 2011 World Championships:  Scotland – Gold, Canada – Silver, Russia – Bronze. I would like to congratulate Trish, Kari, Kari, Natalie, Dailene and Bob on an amazing week.  They hung in their as a team and fought hard against all odds to come back and claim the silver medal.  Remember these ladies as you will be sure to see them again.  Thank you Team for an amazing week!!!!!