Article contentBut the Black rink, after scoring a single in the eighth, stole two more, resulting in the teams shaking hands after nine ends. Team Black enters Tuesday’s draws with a 2-2 record. They face Calgary’s Kayla Skrlik (9 a.m.) and Edmonton’s Selena Sturmay (7 p.m.).Article content“We were hoping we could be back to even, and we are, so now it’s like a new ball game out there,” Black said. “We had a few shaky moments today, but we hung in the whole game and just found ways to win that game.Article content“We’re Nova Scotian and we don’t quit. We’re a really scrappy team, we’re resilient. We hang tough, no matter what, and we can fight our way back from anything.Article content“We have found a little Black magic. We’re feeling good and throwing well and getting a handle on the ice. I’m much more confident in every game, where to put the broom and knowing what’s going on. We could definitely get on a roll.”Article contentArticle content Christina Black looks on as Corryn Brown guides a rock into the house at the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentAfter putting together a career season in 2024-25, capped by a third-place finish at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, five Tour event victories and a 51-13 overall record, expectations were high heading into this campaign.Article contentTheir travel-heavy schedule to start the 2025-26 season included the first two Grand Slams – AMJ Masters in London, Ont., and the Co-op Tour Challenge in Nisku, Alta. – sandwiched around Curling Canada’s PointsBet Invitational in Calgary.Article contentTeam Black posted a 3-8 record in those three events and they missed the playoffs in four of six competitions.Article contentWhile wins would’ve been welcomed, it was the experience of facing tough competition on arena ice that Black said was more beneficial to her team.Article content“We weren’t so worried about the victories or the records. We just wanted to figure out how to play well against the top teams,” said Black, who’s coming off a victory at the Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic bonspiel last weekend at their home club.Article contentArticle content“You need different strategies, you need to call the game differently because the teams are so much better and the ice is so much different to play on than curling club ice. We wanted to get in as many good games against the top teams so that when we got here, we’re ready and we’re not scared or overwhelmed.”Article contentThe goal of becoming the first team from Nova Scotia to represent Canada in Olympic curling rests solely on Black and her crew.Article content Christina Black and teammates celebrate after scoring one against the Corryn Brown rink at the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThat’s enough pressure for any team, let alone the host rink playing in front of family, friends and local fans. But not Black.Article content“I love playing and having people cheer us on,” she said. “It makes me want to make more shots and it makes me play better. We’re really happy to play in front of the crowd here.Article content“It was a smaller crowd today (3,500 on Monday afternoon as opposed to the 5,000-plus that attended each weekend draw). But there were so many of our family and friends, it was easier to pick them out in the stands. I knew exactly where they were all sitting. You hear someone yell your name or clap for your shot and I’m like, I know those people.Article content“It was really nice to give them a win.”Article content
Nova Scotia has found a little Black magic at Canadian curling trials
