Super-sub Nedohin shines in Alberta victory

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — Heather Nedohin says she isn’t planning to play every position at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The alternate on Alberta’s team played two positions on Sunday, coming off the bench to play lead in the team’s first game and skiping the second one, a 5-3 win over Newfoundland/Labrador’s Stacie Curtis.

Shannon Kleibrink, the Alberta team’s regular skip, played the first game of the day – a 10-5 loss to Quebec – and sat out the second one. Kleibrink, who has a wonky back, said prior to the competition that Nedohin would see action throughout the week.

The win put the Alberta team from Okotoks at 2-1, the same as Curtis’ St. John’s team.

“It is unique buzz, I must say,” Nedohin said minutes after the game. “I didn’t expect to be back, but it feels really good. I have a really fun, energetic team in front of me and it’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to play with Shannon.”

Nedohin and Kleibrink  battled for years in Alberta, but joined forces for this year’s Scotties.

“There is something special about Shannon, both on and off the ice. She is such a great team player,” said Nedohin. “It’s an enjoyable experience to be with her all the time.

“It’s a magical moment and I’m just cherishing this because you just don’t know if you will ever be back. I have to be truthful, I did not expect it this year at all. And I’m embracing it.”

Nedohin couldn’t remember the last time she played lead, but enjoyed it.

Northwest Territories players enjoy a light moment Sunday night. (Photo, Curling Canada/Andrew Klaver)

“If you dig way back to when I was a third (she was Cathy King’s vice-skip on the 1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts championship team), I enjoyed sweeping. I liked being part of the front-end aspect. But, man, respectful to those front-enders, right? It is not only hard physical work, but it’s hotter than heck out there.”

She said if she plays second, she will have covered off every position at a Scotties.

“Then I could say I’ve done the full lineup. But I highly doubt it. I am here to fill the position Shannon needs me to (play).”

In another game on the late draw, pre-qualifier Kerry Galusha moved to 2-1 with an 8-6 win over Nova Scotia’s Mary Mattatall.

In the other two games, Team Canada’s Chelsea Carey (Calgary) moved to 2-1 with an 8-7 extra-end win over Prince Edward Island’s Robyn MacPhee (0-3; Charlottetown). Northern Ontario’s Krista McCarville (Thunder Bay) is also at 2-1 after beating Saskatchewan’s Penny Barker (0-3; Moose Jaw) 8-3.

Ontario’s Rachel Homan (3-0; Ottawa); Manitoba’s Michelle Englot (3-0; Winnipeg) Quebec’s Eve Bélisle (1-2; Mount Royal) and British Columbia’s Marla Mallett (0-3; Maple Ridge) had byes.

Draws Monday will be held at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Meridian Centre.

TSN/RDS2, the official broadcaster of Curling Canada’s Season of Champions, is providing extensive coverage of the 2017 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

For ticket information, go to: www.curling.ca/2017scotties/tickets/

For schedule information, go to: www.curling.ca/2017scotties/draw/

Live scoring for the 2017 Scotties is available at www.curling.ca/scoreboard/#!/competitions/2236

This story will be available in French as soon as possible at www.curling.ca/2017scotties/?lang=fr