sparks trip to Scotties

Grandy, 32, is from Ontario and curled there in the women’s ranks until 2022. MacMillan, also from Ontario, attends UBC and has a relationship with Grandy, formed in part through coaching together.

“I knew a few of the girls,” Grandy said. “They had actually reached out to me a while back, as well as the coach. She [MacMillan] had the idea to play together and after talking to the rest of the group, I needed to do whatever I could to get on board and be able to play on this team.”

Grandy sought work in B.C. and found it with one of her new team’s sponsors, Langley-based Rebound Sport and Spine.

“When we put the team together, this was a fouryear plan,” Grandy said. “I will definitely be in B.C for a minimum of four years. After this Olympic cycle, we’ll see where we’re at as a team and go from there.”

Team Brown third Erin Pincott spoke to KTW following the defeat to Grandy in the B.C. final.

“It probably doesn’t come around again in my curling career, so that’s probably the part that stings the most right now and will sting over the next however many weeks leading up to the Scotties,” Pincott said of the rare chance to play in the national championship in one’s hometown.

“I’m sure I’ll go watch. Right now, I don’t want to, but I know I will. I’ve got some friends from across the country that will be playing, so I’ll be supporting them — and Kamloops always shows up for good tournaments.”

Added Grandy: “I’m sure it would be extremely tough [to watch]. They put up a really big fight.”

Team B.C. will square off against Prince Edward Island in Draw 1 action on Friday, Feb. 17, a 6 p.m. start at Sandman Centre.

“It’s huge,” Grandy said, noting her team is excited to play in front of a national TV audience. “Curling in Canada, specifically the Scotties and the Brier, is kind of the pinnacle of our sport. It’s a really special moment for all of us.”