NEW GLASGOW - Team Canada's Jennifer Jones foursome leads the list of world-class teams competing at this year's Sobeys Slam.
She will compete against such formidable talent as Team Scotland's Eve Muirhead, the 2010 World Silver Medalists, 2010 Scotties runners up, Kathy O'Rourke of P.E.I., whom Jones defeated in the Canadian final last year.
Also vying to win the $12,000 first prize and making her return to competitive play, will be two-time world champion, Colleen Jones of Halifax, as well as reigning World Senior Champion Colleen Pinkney of Truro.
The 24-team event will feature all four Atlantic provincial champions, as well as the reigning Saskatchewan and Alberta provincial champs, Amber Holland and Valerie Sweeting.
Some of the other teams expecting to compete for top honours include former Sobeys Slam champion, Sherry Middaugh, USA entries Patti Lank and Erika Brown and young competitors Rachel Homan of Ont. and Chelsea Carey of Man.
Competition begins Nov. 11, continuing through to championship Sunday, Nov. 14 at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium in New Glasgow.
"The field this year is a really, really good field," said organizer Jim Nix, although there a few less teams than in past years.
Some of the teams from out west decided not to participate, which Nix says probably is because the Olympics were just last year.
For the first time this year, the Sobeys Slam weekend will also feature eight of the top men's teams in Atlantic Canada competing in the Atlantic Challenge. This elite, invitation only event will provide curling fans the unique opportunity to watch Atlantic Canada's best men's teams competing for a total purse of $10,000.
"It should bring some different people into watch," Nix said.
The Sobeys Slam is the only women's World Curling Tour Grand Slam event in Eastern Canada and with a total purse of $52,000 is among the richest in the world.
Nix said they are hoping for a large amount of spectators. In the past up to 6,000 people have come to watch the competition.
"It builds over the weekend," Nix said.
For more information on teams and ticket packages visit the Sobeys Slam website at www.sobeysslam.ca.
