The Elk Valley Men’s U16 curling team will be competing at the Winter Games in Quesnel from Feb. 21 to 25.
Sam Carson, Brody Kerkhoven, Damian Fischer and Max Robinson will face off against teams from across B.C for the ultimate title of provincial champion.
“I think they’ve worked really hard and they’re very goal oriented and want to do well. They take it seriously,” said Kerkhoven’s mother Tanya.
Each team member brings a diverse set of skills to the table and some of them have already played their Quesnel competition in previous tournaments.
Carson played on a team at U18 Provincials and is taking part in an upcoming U21 tournament in Salmon Arm.
Robinson plays in a doubles league in Elkford and Kerkhoven is on the Sparwood Secondary School team.
Fischer took part in the Winter Games last year alongside team members from Sparwood, Kimberley and Grand Forks.
The boys have been honing their skills and practicing diligently leading up to the game. They won the C Event at the Elkford Wildkat Bonspiel from Feb. 2 to 4. They had slow start to the tournament, but made a comeback and clinched their last two games.
Coach David Endicott said the highlight of the weekend was playing a team that was skipped by Darren Will in the C Final.
“[Darren] he’s been in provincial competitions for 10 to 15 years and they managed to beat him in a game,” he said.
Tanya said she has enjoyed seeing the boys improve over the course of the season and build connections with other curlers.
“It’s been great to connect with other players from the other communities, and build friendships and connections,” she said.
B.C Winter Games will be broadcast on YouTube for the public to watch.
The Sparwood Curling Club is hosting a Junior Bonspiel for youth ages nine to 17 on Feb. 24 in recognition of National Curling Day. Events will take place at the curling rink and the rec centre, and registration is currently open.