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Nedohin stepping back, Carey to take over team

Two-time Canadian champion Heather Nedohin is taking a break at the end of the season.

The Edmonton skip announced Wednesday she’s stepping back from competitive curling following the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Players’ Championship in April to spend more time with her family.

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“This was an extremely difficult decision, but one I was ready to make,” Nedohin said in a statement. “For 20 years I have had the privilege to compete at an elite level with amazing teammates with complete devotion to the pursuit of Canadian championships. As this team commits to this push towards qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics, I will be their biggest fan and cheerleader.”

Nedohin won her first national championship in 1998 playing third on Cathy King’s team and skipped her own rink to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts title in 2012. She also captured the bronze medal at the world championship both years.

Third Amy Nixon, second Jocelyn Peterman and lead Laine Peters are sticking together and bringing aboard 2014 Scotties bronze medallist Chelsea Carey as skip.

Carey moved from Winnipeg to Edmonton last year and played with Laura Crocker, Taylor McDonald and Jen Gates this season. She split with the team this past week but didn’t stay a free agent for long.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be asked to join this team,” Carey said in a statement. “Heather is a proven winner, and a fierce competitor. I’ve have always had so much respect for her talent and successes over the years.

“Her stepping back gives me a fantastic opportunity, and I’m excited about the chance to curl with three great players in Amy, Jocelyn and Laine. I know all of us are committed to putting in the time on and off the ice in order to be able to compete at the highest level of curling.”