Holland’s back on the road to the Trials

Amber Holland’s Saskatchewan team qualified for the 2009 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings in Edmonton after battling their way through the Pre-Trials, picking up one of the final three berths in the Canadian Curling Trials. It’s ‘déjà vu all over again’ this year as she heads into the Capital One Road to the Roar, presented by Monsanto, Nov. 5-10 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex – looking to claim one of the two remaining spots in this year’s Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings. Holland doesn’t necessarily consider previous Pre-Trials experience a major advantage as the team prepares for the Road to the Roar. “You take something from every event you compete in at this level,” she said. “It’s a four-year process to be part of the Trials, and we’re really pleased that we’re still part of that process.” At the 2009 Roar of the Rings, Holland finished round robin play in a three-way tie for the playoffs. The team bowed out to Krista McCarville in an extra-end tie-breaker game, but the skip still considers it a positive experience. “I think it really kick-started us,” said Holland, who went on to lead the team to a national championship at the 2011 Scotties Tournament of Hearts where they defeated Team Canada’s Jennifer Jones in the gold-medal game, and won the silver medal at the World Women’s Curling Championship. Holland has a different lineup this time around in the run for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, including Jolene Campbell, Dailene Siverston and Brooklyn Lemon – and the team is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. “We’re paying extra attention to the things we need to do to perform at our best,” she said. “We’re focusing on our physical and mental training, and trying to make sure we’re part of the big events with the toughest competition. “We’re really excited about going to Kitchener for the Road to the Roar… that’s the road you want to be on!” “You Gotta Be There” for all the excitement when 24 teams compete in Kitchener for the chance to take the next step on the road to the 2014 Olympic Game in Sochi, Russia. Get your seats today by clicking here.