This is the second time in four years that Pinkney has represented Nova Scotia in the Canadian senior curling championships in Summerside, and she is hoping history repeats itself.
Pinkney, third stone Wendy Currie, second stone Karen Hennigar, lead Susan Creelman and coach Judy Burgess won the 2009 national title. They then went on to win the 2010 world senior women’s championship in Russia.
“We couldn’t be any happier to be back in Summerside,” said Pinkney following Nova Scotia’s 8-6 win over New Brunswick’s Heidi Hanlon on Monday morning. “(Host committee chair) Carl Delaney and his crew do a wonderful job, we love Summerside, the ice is incredible and it’s nice to come to a comfortable environment.”
And so far so good for Pinkney and her teammates – Currie, second stone Shelley MacNutt and Creelman. The Burgess-coached foursome went into Monday night’s draw against Alberta’s Deb Santos tied with Manitoba’s Lois Fowler atop the women’s standings at 4-0 (won-lost). Alberta entered the game at 3-1.
“It’s a confidence builder, although we know we still have a lot of games to play and a lot of teams who are going to try and get in our way,” said Pinkney.
Pinkney is well aware of the importance of a good start. In 2009, she finished round-robin play 10-1 – one more win than both British Columbia’s Kathy Smiley and Manitoba’s Fowler – to earn a bye right into the final. Smiley advanced to the final with a 6-5 win over Fowler in the semifinal, and Pinkney prevailed 6-4 in the championship game.
“We couldn’t be any happier to be back in Summerside. (Host committee chair) Carl Delaney and his crew do a wonderful job, we love Summerside, the ice is incredible and it’s nice to come to a comfortable environment.” - Nova Scotia skip Colleen Pinkney
As for this year, Pinkney said it’s still early, her rink is adjusting to the ice and she feels it is very parity-filled field.
“It’s (ice) been a little different each time we’ve gone out, so we’re trying to be a little patient,” explained Pinkney. “The other thing is every team that we’ve played has been incredibly strong, and the field is very balanced.
“Every team is a champion and a contender, and they are making us work really hard for their wins.”
The only change in Team Pinkney’s roster from 2009 is MacNutt taking over the second stone position from Hennigar. However, MacNutt, who was not age eligible for the 2009 championships, is no stranger to the Pinkney rink.
“Shelley had been our fifth player forever,” said Pinkney. “We’ve curled together for probably over 20 years. . .
“So when she turned 50 she joined the team. We are absolutely great friends.
“Karen Hennigar remains a very good friend and part of our team as well. She plays with us one night a week at home. It’s all about friendship and curling with us.”
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