Team Hasselborg looking forward to Curling Masters event in North Bay

Estimates are that 40,000 tickets will be sold for the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Masters event which starts tomorrow in North Bay.

Organizers are hoping to sell out Memorial Gardens for the evening draws and the playoffs on the weekend.

As of last Friday, 33,000 tickets had been sold for the event and that set a Pinty’s record by 10,000.

One reason for the interest is a rematch of the final of the 2018 World Women’s Curling championship between Jennifer Jones and Anna Hasselborg.

Hasselborg, the reigning Olympic women’s curling gold medalist says despite not winning the Worlds here, her team has great memories of North Bay and are excited about returning.

“They made us feel like a home town team. We were moved and touched by the hospitality that everyone in North Bay showed us. North Bay has a special place in our heart for sure,” she says.

Hasselborg says this event is very competitive and she’s looking forward to the competition.

“You’re playing against the best, on the best ice in front of the best audience. It motivates us to be better,” Hasselborg says.

Hasselborg’s first game will be Wednesday morning at 8 am. The rematch with Jones is on Friday night at 7:30 pm.

For tickets and more information on the event CLICK HERE.

Photo: Sweden second Agnes Knochenhauer, left, and lead Sofia Mabergs sweep a rock delivered by skip Anna Hasselborg as they play Canada in the gold medal game at the World Women’s Curling Championship Sunday, March 25, 2018 in North Bay, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson