Thompson adds Scotties, pre-trials experience for shot at Olympics

Oct 20, 2017 | 3:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — Fifteen rinks began throwing rocks and sweeping ice Friday in the Crown of Curling at the Kamloops Curling Centre.

They’re playing for $12,000 in prize money.

But one of the three local rinks in the Crown is looking past the money to what’s coming up next month in Prince Edward Island.

Karla Thompson won the 2016 B.C. Women’s Curling championship — now she’s reaching for a bigger fish to fry — the Olympics.

A chance that comes around only once every four years.   

There are still two hurdles to clear before Pyeongchang, South Korea in February.

The first is the pre-trials in two weeks in PEI — where the Thompson rink will be one of 14.

Two will qualify to join seven others in the Roar of the Rings in Ottawa in early December, where one survives to represent Canada at the Olympics.

“It’s a great feeling — we had a great year last year and were able to build on that and go there (to PEI) and do the best we can”, says Thompson.

Thompson has added five time Scotties veteran Shannon Joanisse to her rink at second.

“I was there (pre-trials) four years ago — I’ve been there, I’ve experienced it, I believe that will help the team”, says Joannise who was all-star at last years Scotties, while playing with B.C. champion Marla Mallett.

While winning the Crown would be nice the Thompson rink is looking past the $4500 that will go to the winner.

Joanisse says “It’s not about the outcome, it’s about the process — it’s important we go out there (the Crown) and play well and feel good going to PEI.

The pre-trials are set for November 6-12 in Summerside.