News Canadian Open

Jocelyn Peterman’s curling career has come full circle this week here at the Co-op Canadian Open.

Peterman, who throws second stones for skip Kaitlyn Lawes, was born and raised in Red Deer and her home club, the Red Deer Curling Centre, is connected right next to Servus Arena.

She got a sample of what a homecoming event was like when the Olds Sportsplex down the road hosted the 2022 Champions Cup, however, having the Co-op Canadian Open right in her backyard is extra special.

“It’s exciting,” Peterman said. “We had one a couple years ago in Olds where my dad grew up and that was nice to have lots of family close by, but this one’s in Red Deer, right where I grew up my whole life, so it’s cool. 

“It’ll be nice to have lots of friends and family and play at the arena that’s right beside my home club. I’m really looking forward to it.” 

Lawes and Peterman played together during the previous quadrennial with Winnipeg skip Jennifer Jones and represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. The team broke up at the end of that season with Lawes, who had played third for 13 seasons, opting to return to her skip roots. Lawes and Peterman stuck together and added third Selena Njegovan and lead Kristin MacCuish, formerly of skip Tracy Fleury’s team.

Team Lawes also called upon various spares, including Laura Walker and Jolene Campbell, during its first year together last season as Lawes, Njegovan and Peterman were out of the lineup at a different points while away on maternity leave.

“Obviously, last year we had the three pregnancies and lots of rotating lineups, but we made this team with the goal of achieving lots of great things together,” Peterman said. “Team dynamics is important to us, we gel really well and so far that’s been going great. We’re looking forward to playing a full season together.” 

Peterman added that it’s been awesome seeing Lawes develop and grow into the role as team leader.

“She’s been doing great and kind of finding what her leadership style looks like,” Peterman said. “It’s nice to be a part of that.” 

The team took a giant step forward in October reaching its first Grand Slam of Curling women’s final together at the HearingLife Tour Challenge in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Lawes claimed the eighth and final playoff spot in the event, knocked off top-seed Team Gim 6-4 in the quarterfinals then ousted Team Einarson 6-4 in the semifinals to face former teammate Jones in the championship game.

While Jones came out on top 7-4, it was enough of a taste that has Team Lawes wanting more. 

“These events are always important for us on our calendar and we love to do well at them,” Peterman said. “It was nice to make the final at that first one and hope to have that success in Red Deer.”