Lucas Punkari
The Muskie boys’ curling rink was in the driver’s seat at the NWOSSAA playdowns in Terrace Bay entering their final round-robin game against Westgate (Thunder Bay) late this morning.
The foursome, featuring skip Isaac Keffer, third Cody Heyens, second Ian Grant, and lead Jordan Sokoliuk, were in sole possession of first place at 4-1 following a 9-1 win over Superior (Thunder Bay) earlier this morning.
A win over Westgate would clinch the berth to the all-Ontarios set for March 23-26 in Thunder Bay.
A loss, however, would set up a logjam for first place and force tie-breaker games to determine the NWOSSAA champ.
The black-and-gold had entered play today in a three-way tie for first with Longlac and Sioux Lookout after doubling Geraldton 8-4 and dumping host Terrace Bay 10-1 yesterday.
Meanwhile, there will be no return trip to OFSAA for the Muskie girls’ team consisting of skip Tirzah Keffer, third Samantha Mueller,
second Taylor Hartlin, and lead Carley Busch.
The defending NWOSSAA champs only could manage a third-place finish this year after finishing the round-robin with a 2-2 record.
After opening play with a loss Sunday, Fort High thumped Superior 10-1 yesterday morning draw before falling 7-2 to eventual champion Nipigon-Red Rock in the afternoon.
The Muskies then wrapped up round-robin play with a 8-3 victory over Chateau Jeunesse (Longlac) last night.
