Humber posing with its championship banners

Posted: Feb 13, 2023

Twice golden for Humber Curling at provincial tournament

WELLAND – It was another successful championship tournament for Humber curling, who left the 2023 OCAA Championships with three podium finishes – including two gold medals.

With a 4-1 record in pool play, the mixed doubles team Kevin Genjaga and Sierra Hardwick avenged their only loss, defeating the Niagara Knights in the final, 8-7. Trailing by one heading into the final end, the Hawks scored two to capture the first mixed doubles title for Humber since the event was changed in 2019. Genjaga and Hardwick were both named first-team all-stars. Coach Brittany Elson was named the OCAA Mixed Curling Coach of the Year.

The women's squad also used the finals to get redemption, beating the undefeated Knights in the final 5-2 to capture the program's third straight OCAA title. Skip Meaghan Mallett was named the championship MVP for the second straight year, while Jessica Byers and Emma Rebel were named championship first-team all-stars. Mallett and Parker Doig were named to the second team. Coach Sean Turriff was named the OCAA Women's Curling Coach of the Year for the second straight season.

After an extra-end victory in the semifinal round against Sault, the Hawks were in tough against the defending champions from Mohawk. Trailing by six after five ends, the Hawks cut their deficit in half in the sixth but were unable to complete the comeback, earning the OCAA silver medal. Freshman Noah Garner was named a first-team all-star, while Jacob Dobson was named the second team.

The men's and women's squads will now advance to the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association/Curling Canada College Championships taking place in Sudbury, Ont., from Mar. 15-19.