The Sounders boys curling team came up just shy of landing the provincial high school title right on the button.
Howe Sound Secondary skip Patrick McEachran led Austin Sweeney, Ben Hughes, Ian Kerr and spare Trevor Halvorson to six wins and one loss to place second at last month's B.C. High School Provincial Championships in Chilliwack. The Sounders gave up their only loss to Chetwynd Secondary School, which went on to go undefeated in round-robin action to win the tournament.
It was the team's third consecutive appearance at the provincials after taking the last three regional championships. But a lot has changed since a group of timid rookies earned just one win to avoid getting swept at the provincials two years ago.
Grade 12 students McEachran and Sweeney, in particular, are feeling more like veterans, said coach Glen McEachran, Patrick's father. And it shows on the ice.
"They played much better than I've ever seen them play," he said of the whole team. "We were at least tied for the first best team. We just happened to have our worst game of the week against the other team that was strong."
The Sounders forced four of its seven opponents to concede defeat before the final end. The defining game was against Delta, as McEachran had to make a number of difficult shots while rallying for the victory.
Delta had the hammer in the fifth end with four rocks in the house before McEachran made a beautiful shot with cover to steal a point. Then, down a point with the hammer in the final end, McEachran tapped a Delta rock off the button under cover and scored two points for the victory.
"Patrick made some circus shots at just the right moment," said coach McEachran. "And the sweepers, I must say, did a great job."
The team's heightened play reflected a strengthened confidence. The team knew they were one of the best in the province and used the tournament's competitive energy to their advantage.
"I think you get more into the mindset and you really start to concentrate on your game," said McEachran, who expects to compete at the Junior level while attending the University of British Columbia next year.
"I think you make more shots that way."
Another part of the team's success is due to playing regularly in the Howe Sound Curling Club's men's league, where the players get a chance to develop their skills against experienced and supportive competition. As of this week, the Sounders are in third place in league playoffs.
Support from local club members and parents, including team manager Sue Sweeney, helped the boys develop into serious curlers, said coach McEachran. The team also received financial support to attend the tournament from the high school, the curling club, and 麻豆社国产firefighters.
