Team Miller practicing at Irvine Sports Complex

By Lisa Parent

Medicine Hat’s lone U18 curling representation eyes success at playdowns

Dec 8, 2023 | 4:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s only representation in junior curling is heading to provincial qualifiers this weekend. Team Miller, one of the youngest teams on the U18 circuit, is looking to win it.

“It’s been pretty good cause we’re playing against 18 year olds or 17 and 16 year olds,” says 12 year old lead, Lyndon Sherwick. “So I think it’s been pretty good that we’ve been winning a few games.”

Lyndon Sherwick, Drinnan Mack, Colby Sherwick and Ryker Miller make up Team Miller. This team’s most recent success came two weeks ago, winning the B-side of the Red Deer U18 spiel.

Now, the team is prepping for U18 provincial qualifiers in Okotoks this weekend. Their competition this weekend is two other teams, Team Duncan and Team Falkenberg.

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Working to ensure Team Miller’s success is coach Terry Devalter, curler of more than 50 years.

“At this age, technique is really important, they have to learn how to throw the rock properly,” says Devalter. “I think as they mature from that level, then you want them to start a great deal more with strategy.”

“He’s the nicest coach I’ve ever had in curling,” says Mack about his coach.

Colby Sherwick adds, “he’s really dedicated to us and we really appreciate him.”

Devalter is confident that his team can qualify this weekend, if they’re playing their best, and keeping strategy simple.

Team Miller heads to Okotoks tomorrow, carrying their home club with them in spirit and on their backs.

In order to qualify for provincials, they will need to finish top two out of three teams. If they qualify, they will head to the Sylvan Lake Curling Club from January 2 to 7.