On the pebbled ice in Edmonton, the rocks are flying, and the stakes are already climbing at the Canada West Curling Championships.
For the University of Regina Rams, it’s been a mixed but encouraging opening act as both the men’s and women’s teams settle into the rhythm of championship play.
On the women’s side, skip Chloe Johnston wasted no time announcing her presence.
Johnston opened the tournament with a grinder — an 8–7 extra-end win over Brandon, a game that demanded patience, precision and one more made shot when it mattered most. There was no let-up in draw number two, as the Rams followed that up by edging the University of Calgary 7–6, showing composure late against one of the conference’s perennial powers.
Two games in, the message was clear: this U of R rink isn’t interested in easing into the week.
The men, skipped by Carter Williamson, came out of the gate at full throttle.
Williamson’s rink delivered a statement right off the hop, blanking Thompson Rivers 11–0 in their opener — a result that turned heads around the curling shed. They kept the hammer heavy in their second draw, rolling past Brandon 11–2 to stay perfect early.
The first speed bump arrived Tuesday night, when the Rams ran into a strong Calgary lineup and fell 7–1, a reminder of just how slim the margins can be at this level when rocks and momentum don’t quite cooperate.
Still, there’s plenty of curling left — and no shortage of opportunities ahead.
The round robin continues this morning in Edmonton, with a full slate for both Regina squads:
Men’s Schedule
- Williamson vs. Alberta — 9 a.m.
- Williamson vs. UBC — 2 p.m.
- Williamson vs. Lethbridge — 7 p.m.
Women’s Schedule
- Johnston vs. Alberta — 9 a.m.
- Johnston vs. UBC — 2 p.m.
- Johnston vs. Lethbridge — 7 p.m.
Long days, heavy ice, and pressure-packed ends — exactly the kind of environment championship curlers live for.
And as the rocks keep sliding and the standings begin to take shape, the University of Regina will be right in the middle of it, chasing consistency, confidence, and a spot at the business end of the week.
