PREVIEW: UPEI hosts 2024 AUS Curling Championships

By Thomas Becker

There's excitement in the air as the UPEI Panthers gear up to host the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Curling Championships at the Montague Curling Club from February 8-11. Set against the backdrop of anticipation, the Panthers are poised to make waves in both the men's and women's divisions, marking a significant milestone in their curling legacy.

Women's Team: Building on silver

The women's team enters the championship with high expectations, eager to build on their impressive silver medal performance from the previous season. Spearheaded by newcomer Sophie Blades, the Panthers are primed for success. 

Blades is a decorated curler who brings a wealth of experience from her successful stint with Team Nova Scotia. In 2023, Blades captured gold at the Canada Games in Summerside, won bronze at the Canadian U-18 Championships, and represented Nova Scotia at the New Holland Canadian U-20 Women's Curling Championship.

With the Panthers, Blades will assume the pivotal role of skip, hoping to guide the team to an AUS title.

Supporting Blades in her quest for gold are Lexie Murray at lead, Rachel MacLean at second, and Sydney Howatt at third. Beth Stokes will serve as the alternate and adds a veteran presence to the roster, offering invaluable leadership and mentorship to her teammates. Together, they form a formidable unit, blending skill, chemistry, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The defending champion Dalhousie Tigers stand in their way of gold, as well as a competitve field that includes the Memorial Sea-Hawks, Mount Allison Mounties, St. FX X-Women, Saint Mary's Huskies, and UNB Reds.

Men's Team: Forging a new path

It's a return to the curling stage for the men's Panthers. Brimming with ambition and determination, they aim to make a resounding statement in their return outing.

At the forefront of the campaign is skip Jack MacFadyen, a natural leader with a strategic mind. Alongside him are lead Robert Shaw, second Liam Kelly, while Chase MacMillan assumes the role of third. 

Fueled by a hunger for success, the Panthers are not to be underestimated as they prepare to leave their mark on the competition.

The Panthers will contend against the defending champion Dalhousie Tigers, St. FX X-Men, Saint Mary's Huskies, and UNB Reds throughout the weekend.

A championship to remember

As the Panthers prepare to host the curling championship, the anticipation is becoming real. With the women's team seeking to elevate their silver medal success and the men's team blazing a new trail, the stage is set for an unforgettable championship experience.

Women's Schedule:

Feb. 8

9 a.m. – Mount Allison vs. UPEI

2 p.m. – St. FX vs. UPEI

Feb. 9

9 a.m. – UPEI vs. Saint Mary's

7 p.m. – UPEI vs. UNB

Feb. 10

2 p.m. – UPEI vs. Memorial

7 p.m. – Dalhousie vs. UPEI

Feb. 11

9 a.m. – Semifinal 1 and Semifinal 2

1 p.m. – Bronze Medal Game and Gold Medal Game

Men's Schedule:

Feb. 9

9 a.m. – St. FX vs. UPEI

7 p.m. – Saint Mary's vs. UPEI

Feb. 10

9 a.m. – UPEI vs. UNB

2 p.m. – UPEI vs. Dalhousie

Feb. 11

9 a.m. – Semifinal 1 and Semifinal 2

1 p.m. – Bronze Medal Game and Gold Medal Game

Click HERE for complete schedule.