The University of Alberta Golden Bears men’s curling team are off to a slow start at the 2017 U Sports/ Curling Canada University Championships in Thunder Bay, Ont.

The team, which is skipped by Whitehorse’s Thomas Scoffin, is comprised of third Karsten Sturmay, second Tristan Steinke, lead Caleb Boorse, alternate Christopher Kennedy and coach Rob Krepps.

They opened play Saturday evening against Dalhousie University and conceded the game after nine ends, 6-2.

They bounced back Saturday morning in Draw 2 against Queen’s University, winning the game 7-5.

The team then lost their Draw 3 game against Memorial University in nine ends 8-6.

Today is the busiest day of the tournament, with three draws being played.

The Golden Bears face the University of Regina (2-1) early this afternoon, then take on host Lakehead University at 4 p.m. PST and wrap up the day’s play against defending champions Wilfrid Laurier University.

Last year the Golden Bears lost the final to Wilfrid Laurier University, and took home silver.

This is Scoffin’s fifth and final year of eligibility in the U Sports curling arena. He won the university title in 2015.