U Sports National Curling Championships update: weekend re-cap

THUNDER BAY, ON — It’s that time of year again and the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s curling team are back at the U Sports National championships trying to defend their title from a year ago. This year’s edition of the championship is being hosted by the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Laurier won their first draw of the tournament on Saturday evening in a close match against Lakehead. The draw went to the 11th end before Laurier was able to secure a 7-6 victory.

Next up, Laurier had back-to-back draws on Sunday afternoon against the Memorial Seahawks and Dalhousie Tigers. They opened the day with a tough draw against the Seahawks. After going back and fourth early on, the Seahawks managed to capitalize on their opportunities and hand the Golden Hawks their first tournament loss since the 2016 nationals.

MCURL – a blanked 10th gives @MUNathletics a 6-3 win over @WLUAthletics. Seahawks now 2-0, Golden Hawks are 1-1

— Jack Moore (@MadJack54) March 19, 2017

Later on that evening, the Hawks were looking to get back on track in their third draw of the tournament against Dalhousie. This game started off eerily similar to the second draw, with Laurier stealing a point early but then failing to gain any momentum before they went down 3-1 to the Tigers. That was the scoreline until the sixth end when Laurier’s Matt Hall threaded the needle for four and gave the Hawks a 5-3 lead headed to the seventh.

Laurier was able to capitalize again shortly after as the Tigers skip came up light on his shot and the Hawks extended their lead to 7-3.

The Hawks and Hall continued to roll as they took this contest 9-4 and improved to 2-1 in the tournament.

MCURL – HAVE A GAME MATT HALL. @WLUAthletics knocks off previously unbeaten @DalTigers 9-4 in 9 ends

— Jack Moore (@MadJack54) March 20, 2017

Next up, the Hawks will face University of PEI Panthers tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Queen’s gaels at 7:00. p.m.