Birchard honoured to sub for Lawes on Team Jones
[Note: This article was originally published on Jan. 19, 2018, during the Meridian Canadian Open and has been updated here.]
CAMROSE, Alta. — It wasn’t that long ago Shannon Birchard was looking up to Jennifer Jones.
The 23-year-old Birchard now finds herself in a “super surreal” situation standing side-by-side in the house discussing strategy with the nine-time Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling title winner.
Third Kaitlyn Lawes will miss the Scotties Tournament of Hearts as she’ll be preparing to represent Canada with John Morris in the inaugural mixed doubles competition at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Birchard, who skips her own squad on tour, received the call to fill in for Lawes on the Manitoba squad at the Canadian women’s championship in Penticton, B.C.
“It’s super exciting and it’s quite the honour to have been chosen,” Birchard said during the Meridian Canadian Open. “It’s been great so far out here, I feel really comfortable and they’ve made me feel super welcomed on the team. I’m just really excited for next week.”
Birchard joined Team Jones for the Meridian Canadian Open triple knockout stage to get some reps in and enjoyed the experience.
“It’s super surreal. I feel lucky to be able to contribute,” she said. “I think we have a good relationship starting going forward so I’m really excited about what’s to come.”
Jones offered strong praise for Birchard, who is a two-time Canadian junior finalist and has made two Manitoba Scotties playoff appearances. Birchard also topped Jones to capture the Colonial Square Ladies Classic tour title earlier this season.
“She’s so great on the ice,” Jones said. “You can never replacement Kaitlyn but Shannon has been outstanding. It’s been a lot easier than I thought it would be so we’re really excited to have her next week.”
The Meridian Canadian Open happens to be Birchard’s Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling debut too and she can’t wait to return to the series.
“I love the environment here and I hope to be back soon,” Birchard said. “I’ve got a little bit of experience with arena ice and the larger crowds but to have the opportunity to do that more often and in this kind of setting is really nice. I love getting that extra experience.”