Well, we did it. My new team and I finally got to play in an event. Ok, it wasn’t a real event, just a scrimmage. But at this point, we’ll take it!

I have to say that travelling to a curling event sure has changed. For starters, it’s stressful. I have travelled my whole life, often just hopping on a flight to go anywhere for an adventure. I once hopped on a flight to Australia for only 24 hours because my dad was the pilot.

Covid has changed all that. There are so many restrictions now with fewer flights, more cost and less direct routes. Masks are mandatory and of course temperature checks. Flying is no longer an adventure; it’s just tolerated to get to my destination.

For me the curling was my destination so it was worth it. Six high performance teams, 3 men’s and 3 women’s, got together in Chaska, MN to play a round robin format. This was great for us because it was literally our first time playing an actual game as a team. Oh curling, how I have missed you.

We played my old team and yes it was nice to get that maybe awkward game out of the way. People ask me how I felt playing that game. I always go into every game wanting to win but I focused on the process and not the outcome and yes I was happy we came out on top.

We learnt a lot as a team during this first event. We focused on building our team identity and learning how to work together. That’s also code for we didn’t win a lot of games haha but we will get there. My teammates are great and despite the challenging times I know that we are going to have a lot fun this season.

Our journey has begun and who knows where it’s headed, but I sure hope you will follow along. @teamjsinclair