While the history of the Canadian junior curling championship doesn't go as far back as the sport itself - some historians estimate that the sport was created as early as 1565 - it has played an important part in helping hone the skills of some of the nation's best young curlers.

Young curlers know that the Canadian nationals is just a step in almost guaranteed success on the international stage. Since the men's world junior curling championship was founded in 1975, Canada has virtually dominated the tournament, claiming 10 titles. The women's side hasn't been any different, either. In the 12-year history of the worlds, the Canadian junior women have come home with a total of six crowns.

But it's a long hard road to the worlds, as every member of the provincial teams will surely attest.

After battling through provincial playdowns, 13 teams earned the right to compete at this year's national championships.

It will be a hard-fought battle as these teams each play 12 games in order to whittle down the competition and decide who is the best in Canada over the course of the eight-day tournament.