(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Off to Calgary

Team Ackerman wins 2024 Provincial Scotties in Tisdale

Jan 22, 2024 | 7:28 AM

The 2024 Viterra Scotties are now complete in Tisdale, as Saskatchewan has crowned a new provincial women’s champion.

Team Ackerman, out of the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon, booked a trip to their first Canadian Women’s Championship, on Sunday evening, with a 10-9 win in extra ends over Team Martin.

“It’s absolutely unreal,” said skip Skylar Ackerman. “It’s been a dream for all of us since we were little kids, so to finally come away with that green jacket and get into the Scotties is pretty amazing.”

The Moose Jaw native propelled her team to the finals late Saturday in the 1 vs 2 page playoff, with a 7-6 win over Team Martin, booking their first trip to the provincial final.

Team Ackerman embraces after their Viterra Scotties win (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

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That, along with the fact they were the youngest team in the field this week gave them some nerves, but not enough to prevent them from capturing the trophy.

“Our nerves were pretty strong at the beginning and we had a shaky start, but once we kind of settled in and just kind of took things one shot at a time, they got a little better for us,” Ackerman added.

“I think we just really enjoyed the moment all week and had a lot of fun, and I think that’s how we had our success here.”

In the last couple of ends, those nerves had to be settled, as pressure-packed shots mounted.

A beautiful double takeout saved them in the tenth, as they gave up just one to Team Martin, without hammer, sending the game to extras.

Ackerman then had the hammer themselves, as a hit and roll to the button, facing two Martin rocks, won them the game with the final shot of the tournament.

“We’ve been working really hard all season on all kinds of shots, so to finally see it all come together here at the right time for us was really special,” Ackerman told northeastNOW.

Now, after a long week in Tisdale, which was enjoyed by all the team will be prepping for Calgary.

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be played from Feb. 16-25 at WinSport Event Centre at Canada Olympic Park.

“The week was absolutely amazing, the ice is always so good, with lots of curl, so we could make some really fun shots here this week. The volunteers, the sponsors, all the event coordinators and everything just made it such a fun and easy week for us and we just had a blast and it wouldn’t be possible without all of them,” explained Ackerman.

“I just think we need to keep doing what we’re doing heading into Calgary, have a couple of practices, stay comfortable with how we’re throwing and go in and just really enjoy the experience and hopefully have some success as well.”

One final note for Ackerman and her team, which includes lead Kaylin Skinner, second Taylor Stremick, and third Ashley Thevenot, is that Skylar was able to win the title right alongside her dad.

Patrick Ackerman is the coach of the four women and brought Skylar into the sport at a young age.

“It’s really special to have my dad there with me,” Skylar mentioned. “He kind of brought me into the sport and he’s coached me ever since I was a little kid, so to be able to get my first green jacket in women’s and go to the Scotties with him is pretty amazing.”

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Ben.Tompins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8