Fort St. John’s Middleton falls in Alberta curling finals

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John’s curler Sterling Middleton’s team fell in their quest to head to the national championship.

Middleton’s team, skipped by Evan Van Amsterdam, lost to a team led by Kevin Koe by a score of 9-5 in the Boston Pizza Cup final in Stettler on Sunday, February 9th.

Middleton, who grew up in Fort St. John, was joined on the Van Amsterdam team by Dawson Creek’s Jason Ginter and Parker Konschuh. 

Making his home on Vancouver Island, Middleton was allowed to join the Edmonton-based squad through playing rules that allow one team member to reside outside of the province.

“[Jason] had filled in with the team this season,” Middleton said. “Him and I were kind of discussing some possible options, and the best fit.

“With the goals I had and the possibility to grow, these guys were the best option this season.”

Team Van Amsterdam’s season was highlighted by a win at the Crestwood Platinum Anniversary Showdown in Edmonton last month and the run to the finals in Stettler.

This was Middleton’s second team in as many years, as he represented B.C. at the 2024 Following the 2024 Montana’s Brier in Regina, Saskatchewan, captained by Catlin Schneider. 

Following the event, the team announced they had mutually decided to part ways after a single season.

Middleton says there has been “a lot of shifts” on curling rosters in 2024-25, and there’s “a bit of uncertainty” mid-season.

However, he’s looking ahead to the Olympic trials in Kelowna in November. A spot at the 2026 games in Italy will be at stake.

“I’m sure we’re going to chat amongst ourselves and see what the future looks like going forward,” said Middleton.

The 26-year-old has had extensive success on the curling scene, including two world curling championships in 2018 and 2019, and a gold medal in the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics in Lillehammer.