Cotter shoots for 3-peat

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

The Okanagan will be well represented when the Canadian Direct Insurance B.C. Men's Curling Championships open tomorrow in Nelson.

Three of the 16 teams looking for a shot at the Brier are from the Okanagan.

Leading the way is Vernon's Jim Cotter, who is shooting for his third straight provincial crown.

Cotter, Ryan Kuhn (third), Tyrel Griffith (second) and Rick Sawatsky (lead) are back as a group for the second year in a row.

The Vernon/Kelowna squad won the provincial title last year before finishing seventh at the Brier with a 5-6 record.

The previous year, with John Morris throwing third stones, Cotter finished second at the Brier to Kevin Koe.

Cotter is looking for a sixth provincial title. He previously won in 2008 (third with Bob Ursel), 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Joining Cotter in Nelson are Jeff Richard of Kelowna and Vernon's Mark Longworth.

Richard is looking for a second B.C. title after previously winning in 2008.

His team consists of Ted Appelman (third), Bryan Kedziora (second) and David Harper (lead).

Longworth, with third Michael Longworth, second Blaine Black and lead John Slattery, will be looking for his first provincial title.

The 16-team triple knockout begins tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.

Four teams will qualify for the playoff round beginning Saturday afternoon.

The final is set for Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.