Lori Hoppe Shines in National Debut
Lori Hoppe made a remarkable debut at the 2024 Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships, skipping the Northern Ontario team from the Kenora Curling Club in her first appearance at a national event. The tournament marked a significant milestone in Hoppe’s curling career, as she had earned her spot by winning her first Northern Ontario title in March. This victory not only secured her team’s place at the national stage but also came as a culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport.
A Memorable Debut
In the opening draw of the 2024 Senior Championships, Hoppe and her team, which included vice-skip Shannon Brown, second Lisa Penner, and lead Jacqueline Ortlieb, delivered an impressive performance, defeating New Brunswick’s Team Shelly Graham 11-5. The victory was particularly meaningful for Hoppe, as half of her team was new to senior curling, making their win all the more special. The team’s strong start to the competition set the tone for what would become an unforgettable experience for the entire group.
Reflecting on the victory, Hoppe described the moment as "surreal," emphasizing how emotional the achievement was for her and her team. “We’re still kind of in awe of what we’ve accomplished,” Hoppe shared after the game. The win not only marked a major accomplishment in their curling careers but also held personal significance for Hoppe, who balances her love for the sport with a demanding career as the Manager of Laboratory Services at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
A Long-Awaited Achievement
Hoppe’s path to this national stage has been a long one. She had participated in several Northern Ontario championships over the years but had never managed to secure a provincial title until this year. Winning the Northern Ontario championship in 2024 was the culmination of years of determination, and Hoppe’s emotional reaction to qualifying for the national championships was a testament to her perseverance.
“This is something I’ve worked for a long time,” Hoppe explained. “To finally get that provincial title and have the chance to compete at the national level is truly a dream come true.” The victory was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the strength of her team, as they navigated the challenges of senior curling with skill and determination.
A Diverse Passion: From Curling to Bagpipes
In addition to her success on the curling rink, Hoppe is also an accomplished bagpiper. In 2023, she had the honor of performing with the St. Andrew’s Pipe Band at the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland. Despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoppe and her bandmates were able to travel to Scotland and perform in front of a large crowd. The experience, she recalls, was one of immense pride.
“Our goal was just to deliver a clean performance,” Hoppe reflected. “When we left the event, we were all really proud of what we had accomplished.” The performance in Scotland added another layer to Hoppe’s already impressive repertoire of achievements, showcasing her versatility and dedication in both music and sport.
Highlights from Day One of the Championships
The opening day of the 2024 Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships featured several exciting matches in both the men’s and women’s divisions. On the women’s side, Alberta’s Team Atina Ford Johnston defeated B.C.’s Team Diane Gushulak 7-5, while Yukon’s Team Rhonda Horte triumphed 10-4 over Nunavut’s Team Geneva Chislett. Ontario’s Team Jo-Ann Rizzo and Nova Scotia’s Team Theresa Breen also secured wins in their respective matchups.
In the men’s competition, the reigning champions, Team Paul Flemming from Nova Scotia, suffered a setback, falling to Saskatchewan’s Team Randy Bryden. Meanwhile, B.C.’s Team Neil Dangerfield dominated the Northwest Territories team with a commanding 10-2 victory. As the round-robin portion of the competition continues, teams will battle through crossover games and playoffs to determine the medalists, promising more exciting action in the days to come.
Looking Ahead
For Lori Hoppe and her team from the Kenora Curling Club, the 2024 Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships are not just an opportunity to compete at the highest level, but a chance to showcase years of hard work and teamwork. With the opening victory under their belt, they are poised to continue their journey through the competition, hoping to make their mark on the national stage.
As Hoppe and her teammates look to the future, the focus will remain on enjoying the experience, celebrating their achievements, and aiming for further success in the rounds to come. The championships may be just beginning, but for Hoppe, the journey has already been one for the history books.
