During the recent Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials, family members of the late Colleen Jones showcased one of her prized curling jackets. The event took place at the Scotiabank Centre during the women’s semifinal on Thursday. Jones, a highly regarded six-time national women’s champion, passed away at the age of 65.
The blue and white Nova Scotia jacket, worn by Jones at the 2011 Canadian senior curling championship in Digby, N.S., was prominently displayed. Among the attendees were her husband, Scott Saunders, and her sons, Zach and Luke. They were there to support the local favourite, Christina Black, who triumphed over Kerri Einarson with a score of 6-3, advancing to the final against Rachel Homan.
Colleen Jones’ Legacy Recognized
Colleen Jones, a beloved figure in Halifax, was honored with an induction into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. Her impressive career also earned her a place in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Her contributions to curling and her achievements continue to resonate within the sport.
Upcoming Finals Preparation
Rachel Homan, who leads her Ottawa-based team, is gearing up for the finals. Coach Heather Nedohin expressed admiration for the team’s dynamics and strong work ethic. She highlighted the championship composure the players exhibit both on and off the ice, referring to the bond among team members as “immensely strong.”
- Homan’s team includes:
- Third: Tracy Fleury
- Second: Emma Miskew
- Lead: Sarah Wilkes
- Alternate: Rachelle Brown
In preparation for the best-of-three finals, the team had a 25-minute practice session. They secured their spot in the final by finishing first in the round-robin standings.
Canadian Senior Curling Championships
Looking ahead, several Olympians are set to compete in the Canadian senior curling championships, which will occur in Ottawa from November 29 to December 6. Noteworthy participants include:
- Mike Harris, who won a silver medal for Canada in the 1998 Nagano Olympics, representing Ontario.
- Glenys Bakker, a bronze medalist from the 2006 Turin Games, serving as vice-skip for Alberta’s Delia DeJong.
The championships will feature 14 teams in both the men’s and women’s draws. The champions will earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 world senior playdowns in Geneva, Switzerland.
