Team Nova Scotia Clinches 2024 Canadian Mixed Curling Title in Thrilling Final

Congratulations to Team Nova Scotia – Owen Purcell, Christina Black, Adam McEachern, and Jennifer Baxter – the 2024 Canadian Mixed Curling Champions! In a nail-biting final at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, Nova Scotia defeated Saskatchewan 5-4 on the last rock, achieving their national title dream.

“Last year, when we decided to play mixed, we wanted to put together a team that could win the national championship,” said Nova Scotia lead Jennifer Baxter.

After a decisive semifinal win against Manitoba’s Ryan Wiebe, Nova Scotia faced the top-seeded Saskatchewan team, skipped by Jason Ackerman, in the Gold Medal Final. Both teams entered the playoffs with strong 9-1 records, and Saskatchewan held the top seed based on a head-to-head win earlier in the tournament.

“We joked about being the mixed juggernauts and kept our eyes on each other all week,” said Purcell. “We knew it would be a battle and worked hard to secure the hammer early in the game, which was key.”

Saskatchewan initially held the last rock advantage, but Nova Scotia stole a point in the opening end. After trading singles in the second and third, a crucial steal in the fourth end put Nova Scotia up 3-1 by the break.

“It was a great game,” Baxter noted. “They played really well and kept it close.”

In the seventh end, Saskatchewan tied the game, forcing Nova Scotia to come home with the hammer. The game came down to Purcell’s final draw, a shot he was confident in despite some visible tension.

“I was really confident throwing that shot, though the moment got to me a bit,” said Purcell, who has experience in high-pressure situations. “Both hands were shaking, but I knew I had it.”

The rock found its mark in the back of the four-foot circle, sealing the victory for Team Nova Scotia and earning them the Canadian Mixed Championship title.

Reflecting on the journey, Purcell said, “It all started last year after we lost our [men’s and women’s] provincials. We decided to go hard for this together, won the mixed provincials, and now we’re here with gold. I’m incredibly proud of the team.”

With no World Mixed Championship next year due to the Olympic schedule, Team Nova Scotia will hold onto their national title with pride.

In the bronze medal match, Alberta’s Kurt Balderston bested Manitoba’s Ryan Wiebe to secure third place in the tournament.

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