By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Local curler preparing for Brier

Feb 21, 2017 | 4:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A local curler headed to his first Brier says it’s a tough field, but expects his team to be “in the mix.”

Darren Moulding plays third for Brendan Bottcher’s Edmonton-based team, which won the provincial men’s title earlier this month at the Boston Pizza Cup in Westlock. It was an opportunity that came up partway through the season, after his usual team skipped by Matt Blanford decided to take a step back and play less this year.

“Brendan contacted me on Dec. 23 and told me that Pat Simmons had stepped away from the team,” Moulding explained. “They needed a player for the rest of the year and then maybe going forward, depending on how things went.”

He joined the team for the Canadian Open in North Battleford, Sask., followed by an event in Germany, before it was on to the provincials, where the Bottcher foursome went undefeated.

“We were able to win four straight to get to the final, and then we were able to win in the final,” Moulding recalled. “It was a really good game, really hard-fought game, extra ends, and just an excellent, excellent game.”

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Moulding, who works at the Lethbridge Curling Club, has curled on the national scene previously, in the mixed and junior Canadian finals. At the Brier he’ll be in elite company, competing against some of the world’s best teams, including skips Brad Gushue, Glenn Howard, Brad Jacobs, John Morris, Mike McEwen, and defending champion Kevin Koe.

But Team Bottcher will be getting some expert advice, from coach Kevin Martin.

“I would consider him to be the greatest if not one of the greatest curlers ever,” Moulding said. “His knowledge is– it’s amazing, and being able to pick his brain, and just the things that he knows and his experiences, I do think he was a big part of our win (in provincials).”

The Tim Hortons Brier begins March 4 in St. John’s, N.L.