Tessa Terrick played in the 2024 Asham U-18 women's provincial curling championships at the Selkirk Curling Club.
The McCreary star did so along with Cassidy Dundas of Onanole as well as Lauren Evason and Eryn Czirfusz. The foursome dominated their competition early, winning five straight games, all of which came by at least five points.
The team advanced to the page playoff 1vs2 game, where Terrick, Dundas, and their team came up short against Team Hayward, 5-4. They responded by hammering Team Allan in the semifinals, 7-2. They then played Team Hayward with a provincial title on the line and while it was tied at two after four ends, it wasn't to be. Team Hayward claimed the title.
For Tessa, she was extremely proud of how the team came together to compete against the top U-18 teams in the province. After that defeat, the foursome knew they had more in them. So they came back together this year and have put together an outstanding season.
"We're all really good friends on and off the ice, we work very well together," said Terrick on why the team stayed together.
Tessa, Cassidy, Lauren, and Eryn kicked off their season with a strong runner-up finish at the Morris MJCT event before facing a setback at the Mother Club Classic on the women's circuit. But setbacks only fueled their fire. They bounced back in a big way, qualifying for the Atkins Manitoba Curling Tour (MCT) event against some of the province’s best and pushing through to the semifinals at the Stonewall MJCT.
Then, on October 28, they flipped the switch and went on a dream run that few teams ever experience. They took down Team Hayward in the Heather MJCT final, then rode that momentum straight into the Kyle Flett Memorial, where they hoisted another championship trophy on November 10. A week later, hungry for a three-peat, they stormed into the Brandon Sun Life Financial tournament, facing off against Manitoba’s top junior teams. Despite adversity, they dug deep, delivered under pressure, and completed a stunning trifecta—winning three bonspiels in less than a month.
"It boosted our confidence, there are so many good teams in the province," said Terrick. "It depends on how you're curling on any certain day and we strung together some very strong play. It was a great feeling to go on such a great run with this group."
With momentum on their side, Tessa and her team set their sights on the Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) Women’s Provincial Championships in Pilot Mound. But first, they had to earn their ticket. At a qualifier in Winnipeg, fans witnessed a true family showdown—the Battle of the Terricks. Tessa, competing with Team Dundas, faced off against her sisters, Zoey and Jaycee, in a matchup filled with skill, grit, and sibling pride. When the final stone settled, Tessa had the edge in a 6-3 victory, securing her and Cassidy’s spot in the big dance under the bright lights of Pilot Mound.
Tessa, Cassidy, Eryn, and Lauren had already proven they were a force to be reckoned with, but they weren’t satisfied. They stepped onto the provincial stage determined to show they belonged among the best. Over five intense games, they held their own against elite competition, pushing some of the province’s top women’s teams to the limit. While the ultimate prize remained just out of reach, they had sent a clear message—this young team was only getting started, and the best was yet to come.
"It was so fun, we didn't go in expecting to win it, we're a junior team," continued Terrick. "The ice was great and all the teams were so nice. It was an incredible experience and I'm proud of how our team came together and put up a good fight against some great teams."
Next up was the Manitoba Junior Curling Tour (MJCT) Championship. The best junior women’s teams in the province were all under one roof, battling for the ultimate prize. With the stakes at their highest, Tessa and her team rose to the occasion. They brought their A-game, delivering clutch shots, staying cool under pressure, and proving exactly why they belonged among Manitoba’s elite. When the dust settled, they had done what every team dreamed of—they ran the table and were crowned MJCT champions.
"That was extra special for us, it was the last junior bonspiel before the provincials for us," commented Terrick. "It kept our confidence up, we were so excited to win the tournament."
The stage was set. The top junior women's teams once again were under one roof at the Brandon Curling Club for the 2025 Co-ops of Manitoba junior women's provincial championship. Tessa and her foursome won their first three games by a combined 10 points before dropping a 9-6 decision against Team Hayward. That defeat dropped the team to the semifinals, where they rose to the occasion and coasted to an 8-2 win over Team Van Ryssel.
Tessa, Cassidy, Eryn, and Lauren were once again playing for a championship. This time, it was a provincial title. It was a rematch against Team Hayward and what a game it was as both teams were tied at three at the fifth end break. Team Hayward scored one with the hammer in the sixth and stole two in the seventh to take a 6-3 lead. Down, but not out, Team Dundas clawed back as they scored two in the eighth and stole two in the ninth to take a 7-6 lead into the 10th end, without the hammer.
With the championship on the line, Cassidy delivered a clutch final shot—a beauty nestled perfectly on the side of the four-foot, protected behind a guard. Without the hammer, all Tessa, Cassidy, Eryn, and Lauren could do was watch, hearts pounding, as the fate of the game rested in Shaela Hayward’s hands. The challenge? A high-risk, high-reward double run-back for the provincial title. Hayward made the shot and scored two to claim the provincial junior women’s crown, leaving Tessa and her team with silver but a performance to be immensely proud of.
"It was an incredible week, of course, it didn't go how we would have wanted it to, but it was no small feat to make the provincial final," said Terrick.
Another feel-good story to come out of the event involved Tessa's dad, Craig. A longtime coach of Tessa, Craig won the Junior Women's Coaching Award.
"He always wants us to do the best we can," continued Terrick. "It's really nice to have someone to push us. It was so cool to see him win that award after so many years and all the work he has put in."
Though their provincial championship run ended just shy of gold, Tessa and her team’s journey is far from over. Up next? The grand stage of the 2025 New Holland Canadian U-20 Curling Championships in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Under the bright lights of the Gerard "Turk" Gallant Arena and Credit Union Place, the country’s top young curlers will battle for national glory—and Team Dundas is ready to make their mark.
Representing Manitoba as Team #2, Tessa, Cassidy, Lauren, and Eryn will take on the best in Canada, while their provincial rivals, Team Hayward, compete as Manitoba #1. From March 23-30, every shot, every sweep, and every end will bring them one step closer to a national title—an opportunity they’ve been dreaming of.
"It feels great, we weren't really sure what to expect heading into the season," said Terrick. "We're so excited, it's always been a dream to get this opportunity. Not only the curling, but all of the sightseeing, it's going to be an incredible experience. Can't wait to play for Team Manitoba."
McCreary's Tessa Terrick, Onanole's Cassidy Dundas, along Lauren Evason and Eryn Czirfusz are ready to make Manitoba proud.
