For the first time in the event’s 18-year history, a host rink has taken top honours at the Pacific International Cup.
Richmond Curling Centre’s Kim Dennis rink capped an outstanding run with an 8-3 victory over Edie Hazard’s team from Nevada to capture the women’s championship. Dennis’ team also includes Heather Beatty (third), Dawn Mesana (second) and Jenn Gauthier (lead).
Earlier, Dennis secured B.C. Division honours with a 7-2 triumph over Val Schultz’s rink from Comox Valley. The hosts broke the game wide open when they stole five in the in the fourth end. The result means the Dennis’ foursome will also represent B.C. at the Travelers Canadian Club Championships in November in Kingston ON.
Dennis’ road to the championship included a 5-2 round-robin record to place third. She then trimmed Golden Ears 6-4 in the semi-finals to earn a shot at Comox Valley that had rolled to the B.C. final with a 6-1 record.
The men’s PIC final saw International Division winner John Shoesmith from Washington State double Nanaimo’s Bart Sawyer in a showdown of unbeaten teams.
The event showcases the true grassroots of curling worldwide and has grown to the point where many regular club teams are now have to win qualifying competitions to represent their region, state or country.
