Just days after Kelly Schafer punched her ticket to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, two more curlers from the Swift Current Curling Club will play for a chance to wear Saskatchewan’s colours at the Tim Hortons Brier. 

Chris Haichert and Shaun Meachem are playing second and third, respectively, for Steve Laycock at the SaskTel Tankard Provincial Men’s Curling Championship in Estevan. Laycock played with Jim Cotter’s rink from BC for three Brier appearances after representing Saskatchewan at the event seven times. 

“Steve and I have some history from back in juniors, we played together, and we had always said to each other that someday when we’re old and grey, we would hook back up and see if we could still make some noise, and the day has come. We’re both old and grey and we figured it’s now or never,” Haichert said. “Steve’s arguably one of the best skips to come out of Saskatchewan. He’s very experienced, he’s a great curler, and the last little while, he’s been focused on mixed doubles, but he’s certainly one of the best and we’re quite excited.” 

Haichert says his team will be inspired after seeing Schafer capture the Viterra Scotties Championship with Robyn Silvernagle on the weekend. 

“You can always find Kelly down at the rink, throwing rocks and practicing, she’s one of the best and we’re quite excited to see her go on and represent Saskatchewan. I know our team representing the Swift Current Curling Club will have big shoes to follow up and fill,” he added. “We appreciate the support that southwest Saskatchewan and the City of Swift Current gives to its local curlers and athletes.” 

Team Laycock will begin the triple-knockout event tonight at 7:30pm against Logan Ede, who won the provincial junior men’s championship in Swift Current two weeks ago. Curling continues at Affinity Place through the weekend with the Page Playoffs on Saturday night and the semifinal and final on Sunday. Games will be streamed live on CURLSASK’s YouTube channel and evening and playoff draws will be broadcast on SaskTel MaxTV Channels 49 and 349. 

The winning team will represent Saskatchewan at the Brier in London, Ontario, from March 3 to 12.