The Portage Curling Club's represented at this year's Viterra Provincial Men's Curling Championship at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie.

Skip Randy Neufeld, Third Dean Moxham, Second Peter Nicholls, Lead Dale Michie and Fifth Brett Moxham will represent the Central Region.

"Our expectations are what they are," says Moxham. "We'd love to make the final eight and see where it goes. That's our goal to get to the playoffs so we'll take it one rock at a time and that's all you can do. The other teams want to win too so they'll have something to say about it."

Moxham is also a part of the volunteer committee for the Viterra Championship and says Stride Place really looks amazing.

Dean Moxham getting set to throw at practice Feb. 7, 2017. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

"We have a great volunteer crew out and they did a bang up job getting the arena set for the tournament. It's a nice building so we know it's going to be great for the event."

"We had a typical day of practice ice before a bonspiel (Tuesday)," adds Moxham. "There were three groups ahead of us, so you're not quite as keen out there, but the surface is beautiful so there is no reason not to make shots out there during the competition."

Dale Michie knows the ice is going to get a lot faster once the competition starts. "Usually in practice, you want to be a little light with everything because it's going to be quicker the next day," says Michie. "The main thing was we got out there and got a feel for the ice, and the arena."

Dean Moxham's playing with his son Brett in the tournament. "I did it last year in Selkirk and he actually played the games. As a fifth, he's jacked to be here and playing, just like me. I'm just happy to be playing here in Portage."

Michie adds they're not favourites by any stretch but they plan to go out and compete. Team Neufeld hits the ice Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. against Rob Atkins of the Granite Curling Club. For the full draw click here.