Laura Crocker, Kirk Muyres capture Canadian mixed doubles curling title

LEDUC, Alta. – Laura Crocker and Kirk Muyres captured the Canadian mixed doubles curling title Sunday, edging Kadriana Sahaidak and Colton Lott 8-7.

Crocker and Muyres scored two in the eighth and final end for the victory, with Crocker throwing the game-winning shot.

“I’m thinking about everything but what would happen if I made it,” said Crocker about getting in the hack to throw her final shot.

“So I just tried to really fall back on my process, made sure I took my time and didn’t rush anything, and I knew out of my hand I’d be close if I did that.”

Muyres had nothing but praise for his partner.

“Laura made a couple of pistols late to keep us in it,” said Muyres. “She’s a winner.

“I’m glad to be (throwing) before her.”

Crocker and Muyres, both 27, had played just six games together prior to this competition.

Crocker is originally from Toronto, but lives in Alberta and skips a Calgary team.

She is engaged to Geoff Walker, who plays lead for Brad Gushue’s team representing Canada at the world men’s championship in Las Vegas.

Crocker and Walker finished second in the 2016 national mixed doubles championship. With Walker in Las Vegas, Saskatoon’s Muyres stepped in to partner Crocker in Leduc.

Crocker and Muyres will represent Canada at the world mixed double championship April 21-28 in Ostersund, Sweden.