Final Grand Slam Curling event takes over Regina
CTV
The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season is hosting its final event of the season, the KIOTI Tractor Champions Cup this week at the Co-operators Centre in Regina.
The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season is hosting its final event of the season, the KIOTI Tractor Champions Cup this week at the Co-operators Centre in Regina.
Regina’s Team Knapp, lead by skip Kelly Knapp, did not qualify but received a local invite.
“We got very lucky obviously to have this event land here because we didn’t qualify but we were fortunate enough to get a local invite because we had a really good season here,” he said.
Knapp has lost both his opening draws. On Tuesday, Knapp’s rink from the Highland Curling Club fell 7-2 to Brendan Bottcher. On Wednesday, Knapp fell 8-2 to Team Mouatt after five ends.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t really pull my weight out there today. The team played pretty good honestly just to be playing the World Champs out there in front of the home crowd. We did make a few shots out there and we could hear them cheering us on so it was really special,” Knapp said.
Knapp’s team represented Saskatchewan at the 2023 Brier where they finished with a 4-4 record. Now, the team is using both that experience and this event to gain some confidence on the ice.
“It’s huge. I’ve never curled past the start of February before, like to get past the tankard was incredible. You’re curling into March at the Brier then to get this type of opportunity is just super special, and just [to get to play] against the best teams in the world, right?,” Knapp exclaimed.
