The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Curling Championships takes place this week in Welland, ON as Niagara College is set to host the event from February 9-12. This four-day event will feature nine Colleges from across the province battling it out in men’s and women’s competitions that will crown OCAA champions Sunday afternoon.

Niagara will be hosting a stellar field of competitors featuring last year’s defending champions in both events. Last year the Confederation Thunderhawks swept the men and women’s competition earning two gold medals to continue their dominance over the OCAA curling scene.

Last year in the men’s event, Confederation thundered over the competition going 6-0 in round robin action to take the gold medal in grand fashion. Looking to challenge will be last year’s runners-up, Seneca College. The Fleming Knights could surprise this weekend as well after finishing third last year.

For the women, the Confederation Thunderhawks will be vying to continue their success from last year and defend their title in Welland. Last year the Thunderhawks swept the round robin going an undefeated 6-0. The Thunderhawks were knocked off their throne in 03-04 after a five-year reign when Algonquin defeated the team. The Thunderhawks got back to their winning ways last year and boast an experienced veteran team that look poised to defend. Facing them will be stiff competition from Fleming (Peterborough) who finished second last year, and host Niagara who was third last year.

Due to a lack of entries this year the mixed competition there will only be exhibition games taking place between Mohawk and Fleming, Lindsay’s mixed teams.

Teams participating in this year’s OCAA Curling Championship include:

Algoma College (Sault Ste.Marie)
Algonquin College (Ottawa)
Confederation College (Thunder Bay)
Mohawk College (Hamilton)
Niagara College (Welland)
St.Clair College (Windsor)
Seneca College (North York)
Fleming College (Lindsay)
Fleming College (Peterborough)

A complete championship schedule including game times and daily results will be available online on the homepage of the OCAA website at www.ocaa.com.

The championships are set to take place at the Welland Curling Club in Welland, ON. For more information on the OCAA Curling Championships, please contact the Championships Chairperson Ray Sarkis at (905) 735-2211 X: 7583.

The OCAA governs intercollegiate sports and promotes physical activity in its member institutions through quality athletic and campus recreation programs. It offers 16 varsity sports to 30 member institutions throughout Ontario.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michelle Waddick
OCAA Marketing & Communications Coordinator
P: (416) 426-7043
W: www.ocaa.com