Local curlers chasing Brier three-peat

A Beaverlodge product and his teammates will be looking for a Brier three-peat starting Saturday in Brandon, Manitoba.
 
Geoff Walker and his mates on Brad Gushue’s team start defence of the crown they’ve won the last two years in Draw 2  against Ontario representative Scott McDonald.
 
Walker says his rink was not paying much attention to the three-peat idea until recently.
 
“It’s something we’ve talked about. We’re excited, obviously, that we have the opportunity to even have the chance. The fact that we have the opportunity to play for a third title is pretty amazing when you think about it, but we’re trying not to let that define us.”
 
Randy Ferby’s Alberta rink is the only other team to win three in a row. That happened from 2001 through 2003.
 
Grande Prairie’s Tom Sallows will again serve as the fifth player on the Gushue squad.
 
Walker says it’s been great having Sallows as part of the team.
 
“He’s a really good help, especially with things off the ice that he can look after for us and we can just concentrate on the curling. He helps (Coach) Jules (Owchar) along with the rocks and different things, like I said, off the ice. He’s a big help and (I’m) looking forward to competing with him again.”
 
The first game at the Brier will be played Friday night when Brendan Bottcher meets John Epping to decide the wild card team.