She may not have hit Jerry O’Connell status quite yet, but Jennifer Jones and her Team Canada rink are definitely feeling right at home in North Bay.
Winning certainly helps, but almost right away the 43-year-old Skip who hails from Winnipeg recognized and embraced the energy and enthusiasm of the North Bay crowds at the 2018 Ford Women’s World Curling Championships.
“I honestly have to tell you this is one of the biggest thrills of our entire curling career,” said Jones candidly about North Bay.
“The crowd here has been unbelievable.”
But Jones says it’s more than just the way the fans treat them on the pebbled ice.
“Playing Team Canada in Canada is amazing but I just really feel like the whole city has gotten behind us, from going to restaurants to just the hospitality, to the cheers we get, to just the support and they are cheering for every other team,” added Jones.
“I will forever remember this world championship as one of my most favourite memories in my entire curling career.”
Jones isn’t the only member of Team Canada to take notice.
“How energizing is it with everyone cheering for you, it is fantastic. I am so thrilled to play in a place like North Bay and to have that hometown feel and support is really special,” said third Kaitlyn Lawes.
It will certainly be a special memory if Jones and Team Canada can finish off the memorable event with a gold medal on Sunday.
Team Canada plays twice today. At 2 p.m. it faces Korea and then at 7 p.m. the battle of the top teams will take place as Canada meets Sweden.
