The Niagara Knights men's and women's curling teams traveled to the Weston Golf and Country Club to compete in the 4th Annual Humber Bonspiel on January 15th and 16th. The Knights women completed the bonspiel with a record of 3-2, while the men finished with a 1-4 record.
The Niagara women's team began the bonspiel on the right foot, defeating the host Humber Hawks 8-5. The Knights would suffer losses in each of their next two games, dropping a 7-4 decision to the Seneca Sting and a 10-0 loss to the Fanshawe Falcons. Niagara would finish the bonspiel strong with a 7-3 bounce back win against the Humber Hawks mixed squad before wrapping up the weekend with a 12-7 win against the Fleming Knights. Their overall 3-2 record was good enough for a third place tie in the event.
"We had a real good event," head coach Jordan Thin commented, "We came away with a lot of positives looking forward to the OCAA championship."
The Knights men got off to a slow start, dropping their opening game 13-4 to the host Humber Hawks. Another slow start against the St. Clair Saints in their second match saw the Knights fall 10-7. Day two of the event began with a 10-2 loss to the Fanshawe Falcons. The Knights were able to rebound with a very strong effort against the Mohawk Mountaineers, grabbing and early lead and holding on for a 9-4 victory. Niagara finished their weekend with a valiant outing against the eventual bonspiel champion, falling just short to a strong Fleming Knights squad 8-4 in the final end. The Knights 1-4 record was enough to finish in fifth place for the weekend.
Coach Thin said of the bonspiel for the men, "We had a tough go early in the weekend, but finished the tournament strong."
For their efforts on the weekend Megan Droog (Harriston) and Andy Hein (Omemee) were both named to their respective tournament all-star team. The Knights will hit the ice next when they host the Niagara Knights Bonspiel. The exhibition bonspiel will take place on January 23rd at the Welland Curling Club beginning at 9:30 am.
