Mixed curling teams will converge on the Listowel Curling Club this weekend for the provincial championships.
Shawn and Katie Cotrill are ranked second heading into the 16 team event.
"Three or four (teams) or possibly more than that have been to the national championship," says Shawn Cottrill. "We're ranked second coming into the event so it is kind of exciting to be hosting and playing in an event in our home club."
The top ranked team is from Ilderton, Wayne and Kim Tuck. Wayne Tuck made it to the final of the Ontario Tankard in men's play.
Other teams are coming from different areas of the province.
"Teams from Ottawa, Toronto area, kind of a varying level of mixed doubles experience," says Shawn. "Most of the players play at some level of men's and women's as well."
And if you go and watch the competition, there are some differences to keep in mind including the fact that the teams are made up of mixed pairs.
"Each team throws five stones," says Katie Cottrill. "One person throws the first and the fifth and the other person throws the three in the middle. You also start with two rocks in play."
Katie says the club has been preparing all season making sure the ice conditions are consistent and the rocks polished.
Draws start at noon, 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm on Friday with the opening ceremonies at 8:00pm at the Listowel Curling Club.
Draws start again on Saturday at 9:00am and continue all day at noon, 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm.
Sunday's draws start at 9:00am and continue at noon, 3:00pm and 6:00pm.
The top prize, a spot at the national championship in Saskatoon in April.
For the complete interview with Shawn and Katie Cottrill, click below.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Curling-In-Listowel.mp3"][/audio]
