Tom Sallows says it was a ‘dream come true’ to play in the Tim Horton’s Brier.
The Grande Prairie curler was asked by John Morris to be an alternate for Team Canada, which went on to win the national competition.
“I’ve never been so excited in my life; running out on the the ice, hugging those guys and knowing we did it. Even as a fifth it’s something special that I can’t explain. I’m just really thankful that I got the opportunity to join those guys; I know we’re going to be great friends.”
Sallows got to play in a game, and was ready to take anyone’s spot if needed.
The team was actually making its debut at the event, after skip Morris replaced last year’s champion Kevin Koe.
Despite that, Sallows says they never felt like underdogs.
“We had every expectation of winning; we had an amazing training camp leading up to the Brier. Everybody was ready; we knew we were definitely throwing good enough to win, that thing, and our goal was to just make the playoffs and we knew once we made the playoffs we had the right guys in the line up to get ‘er done.”
The team also went through a shake up when Morris stepped down to let Pat Simmons skip, a decision Sallows says shows what a great leader he is for the team.
They’re heading to worlds in a couple of weeks, but up next for Sallows is the Pomeroy Prairie Showdown in Grande Prairie this weekend.
Also on the rink is Grande Prairie native Carter Rycroft, who was named to the 2015 Brier All Star Team.
Photo: Canadian Press