Regina Welcomes National University Curling Championships
The University of Regina is set to host the prestigious U Sports and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Curling Championships this week, bringing together the nation's top university and collegiate curling talent. The event commences on Tuesday at the renowned Callie Curling Club in Regina, marking the second time the university has hosted this national competition since 2014.
Expanded Format and High Stakes
This year's championship features an expanded format with four separate events: men's and women's competitions in both U Sports and CCAA categories. Each event will include eight teams, totaling 32 squads from across Canada. The round robin phase begins on Tuesday, with the top four teams from each event advancing to the playoff rounds. Champions will be crowned on Saturday, concluding the week-long tournament.
The winners of the U Sports events will earn the honor of representing Canada at the 2027 FISU World Winter University Games in China next January, adding significant international prestige to this domestic competition.
Defending Champions and Host History
The Laurier Golden Hawks enter as defending champions in both the men's and women's U Sports events, having secured victories in Lethbridge last year. In the CCAA division, Hamilton's Mohawk College defends the men's title, while British Columbia's Langara College returns as the defending women's champion.
Regina previously hosted this championship in 2014, when Matt Dunstone led the Manitoba Bisons to the U Sports men's title and Jamie Sinclair guided the Carleton Ravens to the women's championship. The return to Regina after twelve years highlights the city's strong curling tradition and facilities.
University of Regina Teams Ready for Home Ice Advantage
The University of Regina women's team arrives with momentum from a silver medal performance at the Canada West curling championships, where they fell to the University of Alberta in the final. "I think we're pretty excited to be playing at home," said Cougars lead Lauren Speidel, a Regina native. "Excited to have that home ice advantage and just play against some really good teams and have the crowd supporting us."
The women's team features several lineup changes from last year's squad that finished with a 3-4 record at nationals. Skip Chloe Johnston returns, while Tesa Silversides and Hannah Rugg have moved up in the lineup after playing second and lead respectively last season. Speidel transitioned from alternate to lead this year following Chantel Hoag's graduation.
"I think last year we went in with some big expectations and made the event almost bigger than it was," Speidel reflected. "But I think we're just ready to go have fun and support each other and hope the results come. I don't think it's very often that you get to play in a home national so that's super exciting."
The Regina women's team last claimed a national championship in 2010 under skip Brooklyn Lemon. This year's squad includes alternate Makena Bailey with Danielle Sicinski serving as coach.
Men's Team Features Rebuilt Lineup
The Cougars men's team presents a significantly different lineup this season, with Carter Williamson standing as the only returning player from last year's squad that finished with a 2-5 record at nationals. The rebuilt team looks to make a stronger showing on their home ice with fresh talent and strategy.
The Callie Curling Club will serve as the perfect venue for this national showcase, providing excellent ice conditions and facilities for athletes and spectators alike. The championship represents not only competition for current titles but also development opportunities for future Canadian curling stars.
