The Whitehorse Curling Club played host to a competitive best-of-five series from Friday to Sunday. With a berth in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on the line, Team Eby and Team Wallingham squared off.

The series went the distance, as the two evenly-matched teams traded rocks. But after the final end, it was Team Eby that earned the chance to represent the Yukon at the Scotties.

Team Eby consists of, Skip Laura Eby, Third Lorna Spencer, Second Tamar Vandenberghe, and Lead Laura Williamson.

Team Wallingham was, Skip Patty Wallingham, Third Bailey Horte, Second Bayly Scoffin, Lead Helen Strong, and Alternate Rhonda Horte.

Eby lauded Team Wallingham for their efforts in the playdown.

“It was so back and forth it was crazy,” said Eby. “It came down to the last rock in the last end. They played well, Team Wallingham was great. I appreciate them, they were great competitors.”

For Eby and her teammates, this will be the first time heading to the Scotties.

However, the quartet has been playing together for several years, Lead Laura Williamson is the newest addition, and has experience at tournaments like the Pacific International Cup.

“This will be our first go,” said Eby. “We had been pretty nervous about it but thought we would try it out, why not take the jump? We are looking forward to it and excited to represent the Yukon. We will see what happens.”

The playdowns, Eby said, were a great learning experience.

“Both teams were real strong and had moments of weakness,” said Eby. “We know what we need to improve on and move forward. It will be lots of practice and strategizing before the big event.

“We will be honing in on our deliveries and strategizing because we will be playing the best teams. So we need a good start going forward. We will make sure we are ready and fit as well as mentally prepared.

With the best teams in Canada converging on Calgary for the Scotties, Eby said the team hasn’t circled any other clubs they’d like to play.

“We know we will be playing the best and we look forward to playing anybody,” said Eby. “We have no team in mind. I’m thinking there will be two pools of nine which means eight games. That will give us great experience.

“The goal is to win a few games but we know that will be tough.”

The 2021 Scotties was originally slated to be hosted in Thunder Bay, Ont. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was moved to Calgary – Curling Canada’s hub city.

All teams headed to the Scotties will be put into a bubble, there will be no fans.

“With COVID-19 it will be more challenging,” said Eby. “Though there will be no pressure from fans. Hopefully, that will make us more ready for next year.”

To help with the different times, Eby said the team will see a sports psychologist.

The 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts will go from Feb. 20-28.

There was no playdown for who would represent the Yukon at the 2021 Tim Hortons Brier from March 6-14 also in Calgary.

Heading to the Brier is, Skip Dustin Mikkelsen, Third Alexx Peech, Second Brandon Hagen, Lead Rob McKinnon, Alternate Ray Mikkelsen, and Coach Larry Snow.