麻豆社区

Turkey dinner aside, Whitehorse junior curlers spent their Thanksgiving weekend working on their skills with two top national coaches.

National curling coach Andrea Ronnebeck partnered with Wayne Kiel of the Saskatchewan Curling Association as guest instructors for the Prepare for the Podium Junior Curling Clinic.

Seventeen curlers, ages 14 to 20, traveled from as far as Fairbanks to attend the two-day clinic, said Wade Scoffin, technical director for the Yukon Curling Association.

The development clinic has become an annual affair, designed to give both individual curlers and established teams a competitive boost prior to the start of the season.

Those in attendance begin their year with good focus, said Scoffin.

"It certainly does give them a real good headstart,鈥� he told the Star. "We covered lots of topics.鈥�

Technical foundations for sweeping and deliveries were discussed, as well as seasonal planning, team dynamics and emotional control.

"It was about a 50/50 split of being classroom-based and being on the ice,鈥� Scoffin explained.

The camp ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Coaches also benefit by attending the clinic, as they are able to reinforce and build on the weekend's technical training throughout the season.

"They can carry on those conversations on a weekly basis,鈥� Scoffin explained.

This is the second time Ronnebeck has been in Whitehorse for a curling activity.

The first time came during the 2007 Canada Winter Games.

"We've got a strong relationship with the Canadian Curling Association, so we're able to dialogue with the individuals that are really focusing on advancing and improving in various ways,鈥� Scoffin said.

"The Canadian Curling Association wants the sport to grow and develop across Canada.鈥�