Old enough to be on the ice, not old enough to be in the lounge.
Erik Leisinger, at 16 years of age, is the youngest participant in this year's Kelly Cup men's curling bonspiel, being played a few steps away from the 19-and-over bar area at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Leisinger is tossing lead stones for a rink skipped by Lionel Fraites.
"I'm pretty obviously under 19," Leisinger said with a grin.
This is Leisinger's first time in the Kelly Cup. Originally, he wanted to enter his own foursome in the prestigious event but couldn't round up enough warm bodies. Leisinger then got a phone call from his junior coach, Wayne Colliss, and was asked if he wanted to be part of the Fraites team. So far, Leisinger is proving he can do the job against guys who have been wearing sliders for longer than he has been alive.
See Saturday's Citizen for more.
