Hometown fans cheer on Homan rink to Olympic berth
The vast majority of the flag-waving, cowbell-ringing, name-chanting Canadian Tire Centre fans got what they wanted Sunday afternoon.
Ottawa's Rachel Homan defeated Calgary's Chelsea Carey 6-5 in front of a boisterous home crowd in Sunday's women's final at the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings.
Homan, the second seed at 7-1, beat reigning Olympic champion Jennifer Jones a day earlier to reach the final.
The 2017 world champion picked up where she left off, putting steady pressure on Carey and taking advantage of mistakes.
Carey was down a pair with hammer in the 10th and missed a double takeout attempt that would have forced an extra end.
"That was very, very nerve-racking," said Ben Miskew, the younger brother of Emma Miskew, who throws third stones for Homan.
"I'm super excited. It's tough to put into words. This was their goal for these past four years and it's great to see them achieve it."
"My heart was going 100 miles an hour hoping she was going to do the right shot. And she did," said Sandy Bonenfant, herself a curler at Ottawa's RA Curling Club.
John and Brenda O'Neill said they've known Homan since she was 12 because their daughter is also a curler.
"They deserve to win. They've been growing and working at it a long time," said Brenda.
The team's home club was a little excited too.
Announced attendance was 7,490 to bring the overall total to 106,807. The venue has a capacity of about 17,000.
