Prince George, B.C. – She may not have won the BC Scotties Playdown in Prince George, but Prince George curler, Patti Knezevic will be going to the Women's Scotties National Championship  anyway.

The  BC Champion Kesa Van Osch team from Victoria, has asked Patti to join them as their “5th” alternate at the tournament in Montreal.

“I am absolutely thrilled” says Knezevic  “ I was surprised, very  surprised actually.”  Knezevic finished the  playdowns in fourth spot.

The  role of “5th”  is a special one, “It’s  quite an honour to tell you the truth, it’s quite an honour. You kind of have to be  someone who can do a bit of everything” says Knezevic  “You  have to factor in , if a player is  unable to play, so you have to  kind of look at the whole equation.”

Knezevic  has never been  to the Women’s Nationals before, although she had taken part in a Juniors National competition. Knezevic is eager to join up with  the Van Osch rink “These girls are young, it’s just fantastic, they’re eager to build and learn, so it’s very cool.”

Knezevic will get her full  schedule before the end of today , but  she likely won’t be able to hook up with the rink until  the weekend of the  24th.  “So now it’s just like regular training for me.”

And if she doesn’t get to  play because everyone stays healthy?  No problem says Knezevic “It’s a wonderful experience, a wonderful opportunity to be  able to go to the Scotties and be able to just  be in that environment. Together with the coach, we will be doing everything in our power to make it a good week for the team.”