The Yukon was well represented at the Canadian Masters Curling Championships early this month in Saskatoon.

The men's team, including skip George Hilderman, Darol Stuart, Dale Enzenauer and Clarence Jack, came in sixth out of 14 competing teams.

The team started their tournament off with a win over Newfoundland and Labrador, beating them 9-5.

Hilderman said it was tough competition throughout.

"Competition is tough at that level," said Hilderman. "Various players there have played in briers."

The team dropped their next three games, including a loss to Alberta, the eventual tournament winners.

"Team Alberta, we gave them a good game" despite the loss, said Hilderman.

The team got back to their winning ways, defeating P.E.I. 8-2 and N.W.T. 4-3. They followed those wins with two more losses but came back strong in their penultimate game against New Brunswick.

"Our best win was against New Brunswick," said Hilderman. "We controlled the game from start to finish. (The team) shot consistent. My shots were open draws, open hits instead of angles. We put it all together because sometimes all it takes is one miss."

Before each draw, Hilderman said, he would give the team a pep talk.

"I would say it is time to step up your game," said Hilderman.

The team's final game was against Manitoba, and was also their toughest game, according to Hilderman.

"In the cross over, team Manitoba gave us the toughest time," said Hilderman. "They scored four in the second end."

Manitoba went on to defeat Team Yukon 6-1.

Last year, the Yukon team came in fifth place. Hilderman said it has been a successful run for the territory.

"I am very happy with how we played," said Hilderman. "We played every game competitive. The last two years have been pretty successful for a Yukon team."

This was Hilderman's fifth time competing at the Masters and said every time you run across someone you know, that it is like a homecoming.

To decide who represented the Yukon, there was a playoff held here to determine who would travel to Saskatoon.

Hilderman said the success they had at the tournament will help them into next season and when it comes to time to again play of the right to represent the Yukon.

"It seems to help when you end your season on a high," said Hilderman. "I love the target on my back; I thrive on competition."

The female team of Valerie Whelan, Cindy Birnie, Joan Hyrve and Ev Pasichynk had a 3-5 record.

They dropped their first five games before finishing strong with three straight wins.