VoIP Defender World Junior Curling Championships 2019
LIVERPOOL, NOVA SCOTIA
Tyler Tardi, Sterling Middleton, Matthew Hall, Alex Horvath, Rylan Kleiter
(Coach Paul Tardi, Team Leader Melissa Soligo)
|
We are absolutely thrilled to have the honor to represent Canada again, this time on home soil at the 2019 VoIP Defender World Junior Curling Championships in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. We will be updating this page with more information regarding the event, our results and pictures while there. Please check back regularly! #WJCC2019 #CurlClean #Curling #HardlineNation #CurlingCanada #CurlBC The host website is: http://www.worldcurling.org/wjcc2019 The schedule is available here: http://www.worldcurling.org/wjcc2019/schedule Results will be posted live here: http://www.worldcurling.org/wjcc2019/livescores Games will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/worldcurlingtv Curling Canada will also be posting stories about the event and you can find them here: https://www.curling.ca/blog/category/posts/ |
|
Our game times are as follows: (Time difference between Vancouver and Liverpool, Nova Scotia is 4 hours)
Pacific Time Time in Liverpool Opponent Result
February 16 - 3:30 pm February 16 - 7:30 pm USA L - 7:8 Watch live
February 17 - 11:00 am February 17 - 3:00 pm Norway W - 6:4
February 18 - 5:00 am February 18 - 9:00 am Switzerland W - 8:3
February 18 - 3:00 pm February 18 - 7:00 pm Scotland L - 7:8 Watch live
February 19 - 10:00 am February 19 - 2:00 pm Italy W - 10:3
February 20 - 5:00 am February 20 - 9:00 am China W - 6:2
February 20 - 3:00 pm February 20 - 7:00 pm Germany W - 8:6
February 21 - 10:00 am February 21 - 2:00 pm Sweden W - 9:5 Watch live
February 22 - 5:00 am February 22 - 9:00 am New Zealand W - 12:1
February 22 - 3:30 pm February 22 - 7:30 pm Semi-final vs Norway W - 7:5 Watch live
February 23 - 6:00 am February 23 - 10:00 am Final vs Switzerland W - 9:4 Watch live
Pacific Time Time in Liverpool Opponent Result
February 16 - 3:30 pm February 16 - 7:30 pm USA L - 7:8 Watch live
February 17 - 11:00 am February 17 - 3:00 pm Norway W - 6:4
February 18 - 5:00 am February 18 - 9:00 am Switzerland W - 8:3
February 18 - 3:00 pm February 18 - 7:00 pm Scotland L - 7:8 Watch live
February 19 - 10:00 am February 19 - 2:00 pm Italy W - 10:3
February 20 - 5:00 am February 20 - 9:00 am China W - 6:2
February 20 - 3:00 pm February 20 - 7:00 pm Germany W - 8:6
February 21 - 10:00 am February 21 - 2:00 pm Sweden W - 9:5 Watch live
February 22 - 5:00 am February 22 - 9:00 am New Zealand W - 12:1
February 22 - 3:30 pm February 22 - 7:30 pm Semi-final vs Norway W - 7:5 Watch live
February 23 - 6:00 am February 23 - 10:00 am Final vs Switzerland W - 9:4 Watch live
Day 10 - Finals and Banquet
There are no words to describe how we felt at the end of the day today. We went into the Gold Medal Game knowing that it was going to be a great game against Switzerland. Those guys put it all out there and we knew we had to play our best today. Hats off to the great competition we had all week - all of the teams at Worlds this year were fantastic and it was such a huge honor to have the opportunity to compete against each and everyone of you.
We had a great battle against Switzerland and ended up with the win. We can't describe how we felt. For Matthew, Alex and Rylan this was their first World Championship win and watching their reaction was unbelievable. For Tyler and Sterling, although this was our second win, it was still so unbelievably special. We were so honored to have the opportunity to represent Canada and win in our home country. We want to send a huge thank-you to all of the fans in the stands - we heard you cheering for ALL of the good shots and we really appreciated that.
Following the gold medal game we had a huge group lunch with our families who have supported us not only at Worlds, but throughout the season, regardless of the outcome and we want to send you all a huge thank-you. Matthew, Alex and Rylan decided to celebrate in style and did a polar bear dip in the Atlantic Ocean - they said it was refreshing! The walk back to the cabins was probably worse than the dip in the ocean!
We did some quick packing and then it was back to the Queens Place Emera Centre to cheer on the girls. They were playing Russia and we are so proud of their Silver Medal. Go Canada Go!!
Following the medal ceremony, we quickly returned to the hotel to get changed for the banquet - it was a Nova Scotian lobster feast which we thoroughly enjoyed! It was a bittersweet end to our amazing week because we knew we had to say goodbye to all of the friends we have had the privilege of making - some old, some new and we hope to see you in the many years to come.
We would like to thank everyone involved in hosting this event - it was incredible. We were treated to a first class event at a first class venue with first class ice! It was such a treat to play in a venue where everything went so smoothly. To all of the World Curling Federation staff and officials - thank-you for giving junior curlers such a great opportunity to compete at this level. Thank-you for your time and energy. To the host committee - WOW - it was amazing and we will relish the memories that were made for a lifetime. To the volunteers - you were fantastic and so supportive of ALL the teams. Thank-you for giving your time to make this event a reality.
To the event sponsors - thank-you so much - we know these events can't happen without your support and we thank-you!
To our Team Tardi sponsors - we are eternally grateful for all that you do for us. From food, to clothing, equipment and financial support - all of this contributed to our success and you have been an integral part of our team and we appreciate you!
To Curling Canada and Curl BC - thank-you for the moral and the financial support. Giving us the opportunity to learn and grow is so very much appreciated and we are so grateful for all that you do for us. A special mention and thank-you to Melissa Soligo for supporting us not just this week, but throughout the season - we appreciate you!
To the fans - WOW, just WOW - your words of support and encouragement drove us to dig deep when things weren't going our way and to fight to be our best. Thank-you for being the greatest fans in the World!
To Rylan - thank-you so much for accepting our offer to come as our alternate. Your positive attitude and willingness to do anything to support us this week was appreciated. We have all made a lifelong friend and are so glad you were part of our journey.
And finally to our coach - you are a rock star. You support us unconditionally and give us your time and your expertise and most of all are so patient with us. Coach Paul - you are the best!
Now it's time to pack and then we have a very early flight to get home!
Safe travels to all of the teams heading back to their home countries, and to the teams carrying on to the Universiade games in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia - good luck!
We had a great battle against Switzerland and ended up with the win. We can't describe how we felt. For Matthew, Alex and Rylan this was their first World Championship win and watching their reaction was unbelievable. For Tyler and Sterling, although this was our second win, it was still so unbelievably special. We were so honored to have the opportunity to represent Canada and win in our home country. We want to send a huge thank-you to all of the fans in the stands - we heard you cheering for ALL of the good shots and we really appreciated that.
Following the gold medal game we had a huge group lunch with our families who have supported us not only at Worlds, but throughout the season, regardless of the outcome and we want to send you all a huge thank-you. Matthew, Alex and Rylan decided to celebrate in style and did a polar bear dip in the Atlantic Ocean - they said it was refreshing! The walk back to the cabins was probably worse than the dip in the ocean!
We did some quick packing and then it was back to the Queens Place Emera Centre to cheer on the girls. They were playing Russia and we are so proud of their Silver Medal. Go Canada Go!!
Following the medal ceremony, we quickly returned to the hotel to get changed for the banquet - it was a Nova Scotian lobster feast which we thoroughly enjoyed! It was a bittersweet end to our amazing week because we knew we had to say goodbye to all of the friends we have had the privilege of making - some old, some new and we hope to see you in the many years to come.
We would like to thank everyone involved in hosting this event - it was incredible. We were treated to a first class event at a first class venue with first class ice! It was such a treat to play in a venue where everything went so smoothly. To all of the World Curling Federation staff and officials - thank-you for giving junior curlers such a great opportunity to compete at this level. Thank-you for your time and energy. To the host committee - WOW - it was amazing and we will relish the memories that were made for a lifetime. To the volunteers - you were fantastic and so supportive of ALL the teams. Thank-you for giving your time to make this event a reality.
To the event sponsors - thank-you so much - we know these events can't happen without your support and we thank-you!
To our Team Tardi sponsors - we are eternally grateful for all that you do for us. From food, to clothing, equipment and financial support - all of this contributed to our success and you have been an integral part of our team and we appreciate you!
To Curling Canada and Curl BC - thank-you for the moral and the financial support. Giving us the opportunity to learn and grow is so very much appreciated and we are so grateful for all that you do for us. A special mention and thank-you to Melissa Soligo for supporting us not just this week, but throughout the season - we appreciate you!
To the fans - WOW, just WOW - your words of support and encouragement drove us to dig deep when things weren't going our way and to fight to be our best. Thank-you for being the greatest fans in the World!
To Rylan - thank-you so much for accepting our offer to come as our alternate. Your positive attitude and willingness to do anything to support us this week was appreciated. We have all made a lifelong friend and are so glad you were part of our journey.
And finally to our coach - you are a rock star. You support us unconditionally and give us your time and your expertise and most of all are so patient with us. Coach Paul - you are the best!
Now it's time to pack and then we have a very early flight to get home!
Safe travels to all of the teams heading back to their home countries, and to the teams carrying on to the Universiade games in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia - good luck!
Day 9 - Last Game of the Round Robin and Playoffs
It was a beautiful sunny day with blue skies today. We played the last game of the round robin vs New Zealand and posted the W - this secured second place for us in the semi-finals. Matt gave Rylan the chance to play a few ends during the New Zealand game. Following the end of the round robin, a team meeting was held for all of the qualifying teams where we learned who we would be playing and on which sheet. The other teams that qualified in addition to Scotland in first, were Norway in third and Switzerland in 4th. We scored early in the semi-final and then Norway fought back. It took the final rock in the final end to secure our spot in the final against Switzerland!! Thank-you again to all of the fans in the stands for your support!! We appreciate you! The girls have also qualified for the finals and will be playing Russia!
Day 8 - Snow Day, Single Game Day
It was a snowy start to our day today! It snowed about 10 cm which resulted in a snow day for the local schools, so there were no big crowds like there were yesterday. Luckily our family, friends and local die hard curling fans were there to cheer us on! Some local fans were also cheering on Team Italia!!
It turned out the game this afternoon was very important...the win secured us a spot in the semi finals, so we know we are playing tomorrow night. We were also able to give Rylan some ice time today (thanks Alex!). After the game we enjoyed dinner out with our families. The view of Liverpool was beautiful and we are looking forward to our last round robin game tomorrow.
Tyler and Coach Paul had a throwback to their Optimist Junior Interclub Curling days. Luc Violette (Team USA) and his dad Tom are also here in Liverpool. Tom and Paul coached in the league that Luc and Tyler competed in back when they were about 12 years old and here they all are at worlds!
It turned out the game this afternoon was very important...the win secured us a spot in the semi finals, so we know we are playing tomorrow night. We were also able to give Rylan some ice time today (thanks Alex!). After the game we enjoyed dinner out with our families. The view of Liverpool was beautiful and we are looking forward to our last round robin game tomorrow.
Tyler and Coach Paul had a throwback to their Optimist Junior Interclub Curling days. Luc Violette (Team USA) and his dad Tom are also here in Liverpool. Tom and Paul coached in the league that Luc and Tyler competed in back when they were about 12 years old and here they all are at worlds!
Day 7 - Double Game Day and School Groups!
It was a beautiful sunny but brisk day here in Liverpool today. It was an early start for us vs China. We had a close game against them and came out on top. We appreciated all of the enthusiastic fans that cheered for Team Canada. There were bus loads of school kids in attendance and we appreciated all of the signs, flags and cheers....it was great!! After the game we signed Canada flags and handed out some Team Canada postcards. It was so loud and proud to be Canadian in the arena today! We loved it!! Thank you to all of the fans in the stands cheering for us - we love the energy you are bringing us!
We had the afternoon off and watched Team Canada Jr Women's live stream, had dinner and it was time to head back for our game vs Germany. It was a nail biter of game. We stole in the first end and then gave up a three. From there it was an uphill battle. We missed some shots and Germany made some great shots which had us fighting right until then end. A solid final team shot when we were down 2 ended with a pick out and a score of four to win the game. We are expecting 15 cm of snow overnight/into tomorrow so are hoping for some clear roads to the QPEC tomorrow!
Tomorrow's game vs Sweden will be live streamed - just click on the link above. We would like to thank Craig Hall and Nathalie Middleton for geeking the games that weren't live streamed! We know our fans back home and across Canada appreciated it!
We had the afternoon off and watched Team Canada Jr Women's live stream, had dinner and it was time to head back for our game vs Germany. It was a nail biter of game. We stole in the first end and then gave up a three. From there it was an uphill battle. We missed some shots and Germany made some great shots which had us fighting right until then end. A solid final team shot when we were down 2 ended with a pick out and a score of four to win the game. We are expecting 15 cm of snow overnight/into tomorrow so are hoping for some clear roads to the QPEC tomorrow!
Tomorrow's game vs Sweden will be live streamed - just click on the link above. We would like to thank Craig Hall and Nathalie Middleton for geeking the games that weren't live streamed! We know our fans back home and across Canada appreciated it!
Day 6 - One Game Day Plus Family night
We appreciated the opportunity to sleep in, since we only had a single game today vs Italy. We had some team bonding time and then it was off to the QPEC for our game. We played well today and came out on top. Some of us ran into some old friends, so it was nice to see some familiar faces in the crowd cheering us on. It makes us realize how small Canada can be :-)! We all went out with our respective families for dinner tonight. We all had some different eating experiences at some of the great restaurants in Liverpool and the surround area. The food at the arena is delicious too! The moon is full tonight and it is spectacular! We had a fine dusting of snow yesterday and everything sparkled today! Some of us will be practicing tonight and then we will head to bed so we can get up early for tomorrow's game!
Day 5 - Two game day
It was a double game day for us today and we split the day with a win against Switzerland and a loss vs Scotland. We were glad to give Rylan and opportunity to play a few ends during the Switzerland game while Alex enjoyed the view from the bench! Both of them had huge smiles on their faces!! We want to acknowledge the tremendous support we're receiving from the fans from near and far. It was so nice to meet Team Mosher who came out to cheer us on today! We have the best fans in the stands who are keeping us energized with their great cheering. We would also like to acknowledge all of the volunteers at the event - we heard there are over 200 of them and we appreciate all that you're doing for all of the athletes and the followers. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the community - the fans from Liverpool and surrounding areas make us feel so welcome and we appreciate all of you! We are having a fabulous time and will continue to work hard! Time for some rest!
Day 4 - Opening Ceremony and game vs Norway
Although it was only a one game day today, it was very busy. After last nights late game, we were all glad to sleep in. We are really enjoying the buffet at the White Point Beach Resort each day!!
We had the Opening Ceremony today, so there was an early arrival at QPEC for marshaling. It was very exciting to march into the arena with all of the bagpipes playing. It was thrilling! To hear the crowd roar when Team Canada marched in was a moment we will never forget. It was exhilarating! Following the Opening Ceremony we rushed over to Five Girls Baking for some delicious freshly baked bread/homemade sandwiches. Then it was a quick turnaround for our game against Norway. We had another close game and were able to post the W. The field this year is impressive - a lot of very close games so far at each draw.
Following the game we headed back to the hotel for some homemade quesadillas. We are going to head over to the arena for our evening practice and then to bed because we have a two game day tomorrow, starting at 9 am vs Switzerland. In the evening we will be playing Scotland and it will be live streamed.
We had the Opening Ceremony today, so there was an early arrival at QPEC for marshaling. It was very exciting to march into the arena with all of the bagpipes playing. It was thrilling! To hear the crowd roar when Team Canada marched in was a moment we will never forget. It was exhilarating! Following the Opening Ceremony we rushed over to Five Girls Baking for some delicious freshly baked bread/homemade sandwiches. Then it was a quick turnaround for our game against Norway. We had another close game and were able to post the W. The field this year is impressive - a lot of very close games so far at each draw.
Following the game we headed back to the hotel for some homemade quesadillas. We are going to head over to the arena for our evening practice and then to bed because we have a two game day tomorrow, starting at 9 am vs Switzerland. In the evening we will be playing Scotland and it will be live streamed.
Day 3 - Practice Ice and the start of Competition
We were so excited to get out on the ice today at the Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The ice was great and we had a terrific practice. The arena looked spectacular and the crowds will be in for a real treat - it looks like viewing will be great for everyone.
Pin cards and banners were put together for all of the teams by the parents.
Our first game of the event was against Team USA. Prior to the game we were honored by the host committee with an event pin and a commemorative gift. The game against the USA was close that went to an extra end. Final rocks were measured and we came out on the wrong side of the inch. Time for some rest and we have one game vs Norway tomorrow after the opening ceremony. A huge thank you to all the fans in the stands cheering for us!
Pin cards and banners were put together for all of the teams by the parents.
Our first game of the event was against Team USA. Prior to the game we were honored by the host committee with an event pin and a commemorative gift. The game against the USA was close that went to an extra end. Final rocks were measured and we came out on the wrong side of the inch. Time for some rest and we have one game vs Norway tomorrow after the opening ceremony. A huge thank you to all the fans in the stands cheering for us!
Day 2 - Exploring Liverpool
After a good nights sleep, we had a great breakfast at the White Point Beach Resort. We were able to check out the resort and all the nice special touches that they did to make us all feel welcome. We were so excited to get our Team Canada jackets - thank-you Curling Canada and Dynasty Curling. Some of our jackets decided to go on a little side trip of their own, but by the end of the day, thanks to parents on the Sturmay Team (Team Canada Junior Women), we now have our uniforms! We went to the Bridgewater Curling Club for some practice ice - a huge thank you to them for the opportunity to throw some rocks! We stopped by the Queens Place Emera Centre...we can't wait to get out on the ice tomorrow. It all looks amazing. We spoke with a local reporter, had some dinner and then the official business was at hand. We attended the team meeting and then a mixer with all of the participating teams. It was great to connect with some old friends and to meet some new ones. We're looking really forward to our practice ice tomorrow!
Day 1 - Travel Day
It was a long day of travel for us. We all left home early in the morning and met up at the Vancouver airport for our flight to Toronto and then we were off to Halifax. Despite all of the weather disruptions and flight cancellations across Canada this week we only got in about 30 minutes late. We picked up our vehicles and were on the road to Liverpool by 11:30 pm. After a 2 hour drive we arrived at the White Point Beach Resort, did a quick unpack and now its time for bed!
Days Leading up to Worlds
It's been an interesting couple of days with unusually snowy weather in the Greater Vancouver Area! Our team leader Melissa had an adventure getting home after some R&R, but we are grateful she made it and will be able to join us when we depart for Liverpool tomorrow. Rylan has also made it to BC, so we have a couple of days to bond and throw rocks together. We're looking forward to a busy day of travel tomorrow! Once we meet up with Alex and Melissa at the Vancouver airport, we will all be together and the adventure will begin! Thank-you to everyone across Canada for the good wishes! We can't wait to get going!! Thank-you to Langley and Cloverdale Curling Clubs for the ice time!! We appreciate it!!
