Butterfield and Kean Praise Team Bond After Wheelchair Curling Victory
British wheelchair curling pair Jo Butterfield and Jason Kean have hailed their exceptional team spirit following a hard-fought victory over the United States, marking their second consecutive win in Cortina. This triumph continues their impressive comeback mission after a challenging start to the competition.
Overcoming Early Setbacks
The duo faced initial adversity, losing their opening two matches in the tournament. However, they responded emphatically, building on Thursday night's triumph over Latvia with another determined performance. Butterfield and Kean edged out American opponents Laura Dwyer and Stephen Emt with a narrow 5-4 victory, secured by claiming a crucial two points during a decisive sixth-end powerplay.
"I enjoyed that one, it felt like a battle," said Butterfield, who originates from Doncaster. "Both teams were making shots to stay in it and it was about managing every end really well. The powerplay switched the momentum a little bit, you could see them go on the back foot and it was just about seeing it out and making sure we didn't give them any more."
The Importance of Team Dynamics
Butterfield reflected on their growth throughout the competition, noting that their first performance was their weakest, likely due to nerves. "We have grown into every game," she explained. "We have talked well in the debrief, spoken about what we need to work on and put that into practice in every game since. Hopefully we will continue to do that."
The match was tightly contested, with the score locked at 2-2 at the halfway stage as the Americans sought their third win of the competition. Kean, from Newcastle, emphasized how their mutual support proved vital during tense moments.
"Jo knows what to say to me if I'm getting a bit sketchy, she'll say 'it's alright, J', and it's the same the other way around," Kean revealed. "At moments in that game she'd say 'what am I doing' and I'd say 'it's alright, you're just drawing, you've got it, don't worry'. There's that ownership we share as well, you own a great shot, you own a mistake, and that helps massively in the team bonding."
A Perfect Partnership on the Ice
Kean expressed his admiration for their partnership, stating, "I love playing with Jo, it is a perfect partnership on the ice for me." Butterfield echoed this sentiment, describing their bond as their "secret sauce." She added, "Team JJ is our secret sauce. Our relationship with each other gets us through when it's tough or sailing high. We know how to encourage each other and support each other when we need it. That makes a difference."
Both athletes highlighted the enjoyment they derive from competing together, which is evident to spectators. "We enjoy it, we have fun when we are out there together and people can see that," Butterfield said. "We are loving the messages coming in when people can see us bouncing off each other."
This victory represents a significant achievement in their season, with Kean noting it has been "a massive win all round." Their focus on teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility has clearly paid dividends as they continue to build momentum in their wheelchair curling campaign.
