The Goodwin rink began a journey in February in their quest to compete at the Pacific International Cup.
Deb Goodwin skipped her team of Lonnie Schopp (third), Kim Jonsson (second) and Lori Ross (lead) to an undefeated win at a home club playdown. Representing the Comox Valley Curling Club, the team again went undefeated at the North Island Club Challenge in March, qualifying for the Pacific International Cup in Richmond. The April tourney drew 16 teams, including several from the U.S.
Goodwin and company started with wins over California, Royal City, Alaska, Beaver Valley and NWT. Losses to Washington and Kerry Park put them into a tie-breaker against Royal City. The momentum continued in the semi-finals where they beat Richmond. In the gold final, the team defeated the Cowichan Rocks to become B.C. champs, and the first Vancouver Island team to win this championship.
Fellow Islanders Kerry Park won bronze.
The Goodwin team will compete at the Dominion Curling Club Championship. The premier event will bring this seasonʼs club champions from each province and territory, plus a separate entry for Northern Ontario, to compete at the national championship at the Richmond Curling Club in November.
What was it like to win the provincial championship?
"An overwhelming experience that was both exhilarating and unreal," Jonsson said.
The team will be outfitted in provincial blue and white uniforms, given incentive gifts, pictures and a banner for their home club.
The team has dedicated their victory to a dear friend, Norma Meneer, who believed in their potential and cheered them on since their bronze win at this competition in 2008. Norma was their guardian angel throughout the Easter championship and her spirit will live on.
Special thanks to sponsors Ski Tak Hut, Story Creek Trading, Comox Valley Curling Club, the Dominion Insurance Company and Raven Forest Products.