The Niagara Knights men's curling team will hit the ice in Thunder Bay from February 11-14 for the 2016 OCAA Curling Championships. The Knights will play a seven game round robin against each of their opponents in their quest for a gold medal.
Despite some ups and downs, including injury, Niagara enters the championship on a high note. The Knights won their most recent event, going 3-0 at the Niagara Bonspiel on January 23 at the Welland Curling Club. Head Coach Jordan Thin understands the challenge ahead, but believes that if the team can make the key shots throughout the week, they will have a chance to compete for a gold medal. Through the three-day round robin the Knights will compete against teams from Mohawk, Humber, Sault, Confederation, Fanshawe, Fleming, and St. Clair.
The Knights are led by skip Andy Hein, a third-year Broadcasting, Radio, Television and Film student. Hein, also a member of the Knights soccer and cross country teams, a player who brings plenty of energy and shot-making ability to the team. He understands the pressure's afforded of the skip position and never lets the moment consume him. Hein will be accompanied by vice Michael Caldwell (Beamsville), second Tyler Birtley (Alliston), and lead Jarrod Tice (Brantford).
Caldwell, a second-year Sport Management student, who brings a much improved game to the Knights this season will be looked upon to provide a steady influence on the younger Knights players. Birtley, a first-year Culinary student, is a heavy hitter who has a strong understanding of the game and what it takes to win. Tice, a first-year Horticultural Technician student, will be a dependable presence on the front end with the lead stones for the Knights. Ultimately the composition of this edition of the Knights is a mix of youth and experience that has the ability to propel themselves to the top of the OCAA.
Following the round robin the top four teams will advance to the semi-final to compete for a spot in the gold medal match. The top two teams at the OCAA Championships will advance to the CCAA National Championships, hosted by the Fanshawe Falcons, at the Highland Country Club from March 23-26. It is a wide open field heading to Thunder Bay and the Knights will be looking to take advantage of the opportunity.
For more information on the event visit http://www.ocaacurlingchamps16.ca/. The event will be streamed live at http://livestream.com/accounts/17346644/events/4776820.
