18 February 2024

Enduring the gauntlet – Canada’s journey to Lohja

Undisputedly, Canada are the most successful nation in junior curling with 21 men’s and 13 women’s world titles.

Both men’s and women’s golds went to Canada in 2020, but in the post-pandemic world, things have not been as straightforward for the juggernaut.

In possibly the most ruthless qualification systems in World Curling, the gap between risk and reward is miniscule at the world junior championships.

There are ten teams: four make the play-offs, two or three are safe but do not qualify, and at least three – four can be depending on the host nation – are relegated to the World Junior-B Curling Championships, having to qualify again by running the gauntlet of a second competition.”

2023 was the first year Canada had suffered relegation on both the men’s and women’s side, but bounced back to qualify for the World Junior Curling Championships 2024. Johnson Tao’s men’s team scraped through in the round robin, but would go on to pick up gold.

Myla Plett’s women’s rink were unbeaten in the tournament until a 6-3 defeat in their final to China, albeit having already qualified.

It’s an unusual spot for Canada to find themselves in, but in some respects gives players an opportunity to show they deserve to be there in an ever-expanding field of nations. Yet, two members of the women’s team have been particularly busy – Chloe Fediuk and Allie Iskiw. Set to play second and lead on Plett’s team alongside Alyssa Nedohin at third, they likely have had the busiest junior calendar this season.

After the World Junior-B Championships, the pair represented Canada at the Youth Winter Olympic Games in Gangwon and are now playing in Lohja at the World Juniors. It’s only February, yet they seem to be enjoying every moment of it.

“It has been the highlight of our curling careers by far,” said Fediuk.

“This season has brought so much for the two of us, including all of these amazing experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

“There is nothing else we would rather be spending our time doing. It’s a dream to wear the maple leaf and represent Canada.”

The pair acknowledged the pressure that comes with qualifying Canada for the championships, while praising the support system they had back home. For some athletes, an extra competition in a calendar can bring unnecessary strain, but with the World Junior-B also taking place at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, it gave them a chance to familiarise themselves with the facilities.

Fediuk added, “It gave us a sneak peek at what we would be seeing once we qualified.

“The experience was like no other; the ice conditions, accommodation, food and numerous volunteers were all outstanding.”

“With having such a busy season schedule, Chloe and I have learned the importance of time management and planning out our days,” added Allie Iskiw.

“We’ve found how valuable it is to have equal balance between practices and training, and rest and recovery,” she added.

But it is much more than the impressive endurance of the duo that makes this team. Myla brings the confidence, Chloe’s energy is fed off of, Alyssa and Allie bring the zen to the group to keep the quartet on the right track and alternate Kaylee Raniseth is known for being the positive – an ideal trait for someone who will be cheering the team on during games.

Iskiw said, “Our team is like a group of sisters, and we share a bond in close friendships on and off the ice.

“Although each individual is slightly different in personality, we blend together well as a cohesive group.”

Iskiw expects the competition to be “extremely talented” and understands that a medal is not guaranteed with the ever-improving squads of Scotland, Japan, Norway and even China, who defeated them in the B final.

As much as the podium will be the goal for the rink, they see this as an opportunity for much more meaningful encounters.

“We are looking forward to making great memories, meeting new competitors and soaking in the exciting experience of playing on the world stage,” she said.

Regardless of the results at the event, the impressive endurance alone will be a pivotal lesson for the two Canadian stars, hoping to run the gauntlet nationally in the future and juggle the manic calendar that comes with being an elite curler.

Written by feature writer Michael Houston

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