History was made on Sunday night at the Western Fair Sports Centre when Team Europe picked up back to back victories in the Continental Cup of Curling. Team Europe was the better team all weekend and picked up a 37.5-22.5 victory over team Canada. Team Europe returned with the same six teams as last year and Oskar Eriksson of team Europe explains what has made the team gel together.
“I think the fact that our six teams are from three countries(Switzerland, Sweden, and Scotland) so most of us are close on and off the ice as well.”
The last two draws of the tournament on Sunday afternoon and evening were skins games. Although Canada had only six and a half points heading into the skins games they knew anything could happen and that was exactly what happened during the first skins game in the afternoon.
Toronto’s John Epping and his rink came out firing on all cylinders against Scotland’s Bruce Mouat. “ Yeah, it feels great to just give these guys a chance tonight because we were so far behind coming into today so at least now tonight means something.” Epping picked up four and a half of a possible five points in his skins game.
Being from Toronto, Epping was very excited to get the opportunity to play at the Continental Cup in his home province. “ So special, it’s so cool I’m having a lot of fun, you know a chance to represent your country at an event, with the crowd being from Ontario, being in London it’s been a special week.”
After the afternoon draw on Sunday Canada only had 15.5 points, which was halfway to the required amount to win the Continental Cup, and Epping knew that Canada was still in a rough spot heading into the final draw. “We’ve left a little bit of breathing room, but not a lot we’re still really up against the wall and need to come out firing tonight.”
Unfortunately for Canada, they would not come out firing in the night draw and Europe would wrap up the Tournament quick as the Cup was decided during the fourth end of the night draws. Oskar Eriksson, who normally plays third for reigning world Champion Niklas Edin, was the skip for his draw against Canada’s Kevin Koe and he delivered the winning shot.
“I was a little bit nervous for the first time in a long time, I knew I was going to be close on a run back through the center-line but I’m always close so I thought I was in good shape.” Explains Eriksson on what went through his mind on the Cup-winning shot.
Eriksson also explains how back to back titles for the first time in the nearly 20 year history of the tournament is a great feeling for Europe. “It feels amazing, we’re the same six teams as last year and we outplayed them all week so we deserve this.” Said Eriksson of the team that Europe brought with them.
For the Canadian Teams in the Cup, there is hardly any rest as the Women will soon begin play downs for the Scotties Tournament of hearts in a month in Moose Jaw. The men will also soon begin play-downs for the Tim Horton’s Brier in February in Kingston.
