Team Purcell, Team Black to represent N.S. at national curling championship 

Rinks led by skips Owen Purcell and Christina Black have earned spots in the Canadian national curling championships. 

With more than 100 spectators watching on Sunday afternoon, Team Purcell defeated Team Thompson 8-5 to move on to the Montana’s Brier, in what will be the team’s first appearance in the tournament. 

Team Purcell lost to Team Thompson earlier in the tournament, but Team Purcell’s lead said their mentality going into the rematch didn’t change.  

“We’re just out there playing against the rocks. It’s Team X, not who you’re playing against,” says Ryan Abraham. 

Eight men’s teams and seven women’s teams competed in the Ocean Contractors Provincial Curling Championships from Tuesday to Sunday at Halifax Curling Club in downtown Halifax.

Looking toward the Montana’s Brier, Abraham says the team is confident. He believes success will come down to working as a team, fighting for every inch, against talented competition.

“We really love playing with each other and that goes a long way,” said Abraham. 

Earlier in the day Team Black — which is currently the fourth-ranked women’s team in Canada — punched a ticket to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, defeating Team Mitchell 6-4. 

Team Black lead Karlee Everist said sacrifices enabled team members to compete at the national level. 

“There’s a lot of travel and time away from family,” said Everist. “We’re on the ice at least five days a week.” 

The members of Team Black, who hope to qualify for Canada’s Olympic trials, know they “have what it takes to play against the best teams,” said Everist. 

Purcell and Black have already had success playing at the national level together, winning the 2024 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. 

The Montana’s Brier will take place in Kelowna, B.C., from Feb. 28 to March 9. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts will run from Feb. 14 to Feb. 23 in Thunder Bay, Ont.