CANADA REBOUNDS IN ITALY 

CANADIAN TEAMS POST THREE WINS AT WORLD JUNIORS IN CORTINA 

Canada’s reps at the World Junior Curling Championships got into the win column Sunday, with three victories at the Cortina, Italy event. 

After both teams dropped their opener, the Canadians rallied on Day 2. The men posted wins over Korea and the United States, while the women bested Japan in their only game of the day. 

“We’re really excited to get our first win,” said women’s skip Allyson MacNutt. “We know Japan is a strong team, so we knew we’d have to play well and bring our best.” 

Canada jumped out to a four-point lead after three ends, and led 5-1 at the fifth end break. Japan mounted a comeback in the second half but a score of three by Canada in the eighth ended the threat, and the Canadians hung on for an 8-7 win. 

“We made some really good team shots, and capitalized when we had opportunities,” said MacNutt. “I’m really proud of how the team played.” 

The Halifax-based team of MacNutt, Maria Fitzgerald, Alison Umlah, Grace McCusker, and alternate Cailey Locke will face Sweden and Germany on Monday. They’re supported by coach Teresa Breen and team leader Helen Radford. 

On the men’s morning draw, the Canadians skipped by Kenan Wipf stole an extra end victory from Korea. In the afternoon, the Calgary squad (inculding Wipf, Ky Macauley, Michael Keenan, Max Cinamon, and alternate Adam Naugler) defeated the United States, 7-5.  

The team from the Glencoe Club – coached by Laine Peters and Derek Bowyer – will have a rare day off on Monday, before following it up with a two-game Tuesday vs. Germany and Norway. 

Each team will play a nine-game round robin before the top four seeds advance to the playoffs.  

For scores and schedules, visit the World Curling site here: https://livescores.worldcurling.org/wjcc/default  

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