Members of Team Cinnamon qualify for third provincial championship

Members of Team Cinnamon have now qualified for three provincial championships after winning a berth in the U21 qualifier in Black Diamond over the weekend.

After losing their first draw to the Thanadurai rink, the Cinnamon rink bounced back to win their next two draws to qualify. It's the second consecutive year they've qualified for both the U18 and U21 provincial championships.

"It was really good," says skip Zoe Cinnamon. "We had a solid second and third game. I'm super proud of the team."

Second Raelyn Helston, who has been a member of the team since it was created three years ago, like the competition offered at the U21 level.

"It's a great experience going through the higher up events, especially getting to play all the top-end U21 teams," she says. "It's a good experience for our U18 team."

The team has two new members in third Myla Plett and lead Lauren Miller, as well as fifth Ava Plett. It's also the first year for coach Blair Lenton, of Airdrie.

Just a week prior, the team was able to leapfrog directly into the U18 provincials by securing enough points at the Excel Cup.

Previous to this, all team members qualified for the provincial mixed doubles championship with their respective partners. 

The U21 provincials are in Lloydminster, Jan. 1-5, the mixed doubles championship is in Lethbridge, Feb. 21-24, and the Optimists U18 championship is Sexsmith, Feb. 26- Mar. 1.

Up next for Team Cinnamon is the CYCA Ray Kingsmith Memorial bonspiel in Airdrie, Dec 28 to 30. The winning rink will receive a $4,000 scholarships to split between team members.