PLAYOFF BOUND AT WORLD JR. B

CANADA’S UNDEFEATED RUN QUALIFIES THEM FOR PLAYOFFS IN FINLAND

Canada’s U21 team took a big step forward on Sunday, clinching a playoff berth at the World Junior-B Championship in Lohja, Finland. 

With a nailbiter over the Netherlands, and a blowout of Belgium, the Alberta-based foursome of Myla Plett, Alyssa Nedohin, Chloe Fediuk, and Allie Iskiw maintained its undefeated record, and punched their ticket to Monday’s quarterfinal – regardless of what happens in their final round-robin game vs. Czechia. 

“We’re excited to secure our playoff spot,” said Iskiw. “We’re playing really well and are continuing to learn each game.” 

The Canadians started the day with an exciting extra-end win over the Netherlands, skipped by Lisenka Bomas. Although Canada jumped out to a 7-0 lead after four ends, the Dutch wouldn’t quit and fought themselves back into the game taking two in the fifth, stealing one in the sixth, and stealing two in each of the seventh and eighth to tie the game. 

Canada was able to secure a single with the hammer in the extra end claiming their first win of the day.  

The second game, vs. Belgium, started much the same way with Canada getting ahead 7-1 after three ends. This time, however, there would be no comeback. Belgium took one in the fourth, and stole one in the fifth, but a score of four by Canada put the game out of reach. 

All playoff spots have been sorted, even though there are still round-robin games to be played. Canada and Italy will move on from the A Pool, while Hungary and Latvia will move on from B Pool. Germany and Denmark qualify from the C Pool, while Turkey and China will move on from the D Pool. 

Playoffs will begin on Monday night, with Canada scheduled to face Denmark. A top three finish will earn Canada a spot in the ‘A’ Group World Championships in February. That event will be hosted in the same venue in Finland. 

The Canadians are supported by coach Blair Lenton, assistant coach Dave Nedohin, and team leader Lori Olson-Johns.  

“It’s been awesome getting all the messages of support from back home,” said Fediuk. “We’re grateful for all the support from Canada.” 

Live scoring can be found here: https://livescores.worldcurling.org/wjbcc/aspnet/current?EventID=2 

Some games are found on the live stream available here: https://www.youtube.com/@CurlingFinland/streams