Five games into the 2021 World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship in Lohja, Finland, and Team USA is positioned at the top of the team standings with a perfect 5-0 record.

The Team of Matt Thums (Weston, Wis.), Steve Emt (Hebron, Conn.), David Samsa (Green Bay, Wis.), Pam Wilson (Denver, Colo.), and Bat-Oyun “Oyuna” Uranchimeg (Burnsville, Minn.), arrived in Finland last week to adhere to the health protocols from local and national health authorities. While acclimating to the time change, the Team began their Covid testing and underwent 72 hours of self-isolation before hitting the ice for pre-event practice.

During the 72 hours, the Team was in full preparation mode, as they used video conferencing to do virtual workouts and hold team meetings.

In a strong opening game on Saturday against Japan, the United States secured its first win, with a final score of 10-2.

The following day, Team USA came out victorious against two tough opponents in Estonia and Germany.

“Pretty darn happy right now,” said Rusty Schieber, Wheelchair National Team Coach. “It’s a tough competition, but the team is making shots and having some great calls throughout the games.”

A feeling of happiness that has been months in the making.

“We developed as a team, even though we had to do Zoom meetings,” said Pam Wilson. “Every week we were ‘together’ working on strategy, staying strong for each other, building up our relationship, building a family, and making this team what it is.”

The strong start at the 2021 World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship is also marked with some exciting firsts. In the game against Germany, Oyuna Uranchimeg filled in at the lead position, making her World Curling Championship debut.

“The first couple ends I probably showed my nerves a little bit, but then I pulled through and had a great game,” said Uranchimeg.

Fortunately, the work that the Team has been putting in throughout this particularly challenging season has proven to be worthwhile.

“You’ve got to realize you’re not going to make every shot 100 percent of the time,” said David Samsa. “We have some terrific teammates to always fall back on when we need lifting up.”

With four games remaining in the round robin, Team USA is pleased with their performance thus far, but focused on the task at hand: qualifying for the World Wheelchair Curling Championship by being one of the three teams on the podium at the end of the week.

“One stone at a time, one game at a time, one day at a time,” added Uranchimeg.

USA Curling is sponsored by Toyota, Goldline, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Sitrin, Traveler’s Choice, and Volt, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., 12th End Sports Network, Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.