Junior Athlete of the Week: Thomas Scoffin

This week’s junior Athlete of the Week is Thomas Scoffin of Whitehorse, Yukon. Birthdate: April 25, 1994 Birthplace: Sudbury, Ontario Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon Curling Club: Whitehorse Curling Club Current Team: Team Scoffin Position: Skip Delivery: Right Nickname: n/a Getting to know Thomas Scoffin Thomas Scoffin’s parents may want to consider redesigning his bedroom at their Whitehorse home; he’s going to need some more room to fit in all the Team Yukon jackets he keeps winning. Scoffin has been competing at national level events since he played at the 2007 Canadian junior men’s and women’s championships in St. Catherines, Ont., when he skipped as a 12-year-old in a field that included two-time world junior champion Charley Thomas. He’s been back to every national juniors since then — 2008 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., 2009 in Salmon Arm, B.C., 2010 in Sorel-Tracy, Que. — and still has five more years of eligibility at the junior level. Last season, Scoffin, third Will Mahoney, second Nick Koltun, lead Mitch Young and coach (and dad) Wade Scoffin (a two-time Brier participant himself and president of the Yukon Curling Association) put together their best performance at the juniors to date, going 5-7 and finishing in style with three straight victories to close out the round-robin. Thomas Scoffin also has participated in the 2007 Canada Winter Games in his hometown of Whitehorse, and also has worn Yukon colours at the past three Arctic Winter Games. In 2006 in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, the 11-year-old Scoffin took silver; two years later in Yellowknife, he claimed gold, and earlier this year in Grande Prairie, Alberta, he captured another silver medal. Scoffin has enjoyed similar success in the warm-weather months; he’s played at the under-14 and under-16 national youth club soccer championships.

Click thumbnail to enlarge (Photo: CCA/Brennan Schnell)

Click thumbnail to enlarge (Photo: CCA/Brennan Schnell)

Click thumbnail to enlarge (Photo: CCA/Glenn van Gulik)

Quick Hits with Thomas Scoffin Do you have any superstitions? “If it’s working, don’t change it.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Tracy Morgan, Darian Durant and Kanye West.” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Basketball or soccer, because of the athleticism of both sports.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “To have a fifth AND sixth man on each team. I’m sure that would save a lot of teams.” What music do you like to listen to before a game? “Eminem.” Favourite: — Website? “Facebook.” — Order from Tim Hortons? “Turkey bacon club.” — Vacation destination? “The Okanagan.” — Junk food? “I’m an athlete; come on!” Do you have any pet peeves? “Unnecessary screaming from skips, maybe.” Three things you always travel with? “iPod, cell phone and Nikes.” First thing on your Bucket List? “I don’t even have one yet.” Favourite pastime between draws at cashspiels? “Playing pool, eating and socializing.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I’m not always serious; just when I’m on the ice. I like to have a little fun.” What is the biggest misconception about curlers? “That we aren’t athletes. Look at the guys who just won the Olympic gold.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “Draw to the pin under pressure.”