The Ackermans had a strong start the 2017 Saskatchewan Junior Men's and Women's Curling Championship in Melfort on Wednesday.

The Skyler Ackerman rink out of the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre won 8-6 over the Jessica Thompson rink, which features Craik’s Hayley Spencer, in their opening game of the women's draw.

In the men’s draw, Moose Jaw’s Carson Ackerman and his Saskatoon Sutherland rink picked up an 11-7 win over the Chad Lang rink, which features Moose Jaw’s James Barkway at second and Daniel Mutlow as lead, in their first game on Wednesday.

In other local action on the opening night, Moose Jaw’s Kaitlyn Corbin and her Regina Callie rink dropped a 10-7 game to Saskatoon Sutherland’s Ashley Thevenot.

Moose Jaw’s Brett Behm and the Brandon Myers rink out of Regina Callie dropped their opening game 4-3 to St. Walburg’s Jonathan Zuchotzki.

All local curlers are back on the ice for the 2:30 p.m. draw on Thursday. The provincial championship continues throughout the weekend with the men’s and women’s finals on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

Click here for full results.