INUVIK - If Karly King Simpson's team was nervous about competing in a world class curling event this weekend, they certainly didn't show it on Monday afternoon, moments before boarding a plane to Regina.

Then again the happy-go-lucky foursome all agree they have nothing to lose.

Karly King Simpson, far right, and her teammates await their flight at the airport on Monday. They were en route to Regina where they will compete at the 2010 Optimist International Under 18 Curling Championships. From left are Shannon Baetz, Rayna Vittrekwa, Carina McKay-Saturnino and King Simpson. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"None of us are nervous," said Carina McKay-Saturnino, who, along with her teammates, could barely contain her smile. "We're just really excited."

Karly, the team skip, just turned 13 in February, while her teammates - Carina, Shannon Baetz and Rayna Vittrekwa - are all aged 12. That means they'll be among the youngest competitors at the 2010 Optimist International Under 18 Curling Championships in Regina.

Knowing they'll be facing strong curlers mostly 16 to 17 years old, they aren't setting the bar too high.

"We're confident," said Karly. "We want to win at least one game. But we really want to get good experience and practice."

The tournament, which will be held at the 12-rink Callie Curling Club, from March 30 to April 4, will showcase 12 boys' teams and 12 girls' teams, representing Canada, the U.S. as well as Japan. The girls are guaranteed seven games, two of which will be playoff matches.

The hometown girls will face off against Japan this evening in their first scheduled match. They have no idea how good the teams will be, having only seen pictures of the Japan team.

The foursome qualified for the international competition by placing second in the territorials in December. Since then they came second and third at the Arctic Winter Games and Canada Winter Games trials, respectively. The team has been practising four to five times a week under the direction of their coach, Nick Saturnino, who's Carina's dad.

He knows the girls have loads of potential but he's approaching the Optimist as a stepping stone.

"They just have to wait their time," he said. "It's going to be a challenge for them playing 16 and 17 year olds but they are prepared to do best they can do.

"I don't think they understand the whole concept of the (Optimist International). It's so much different than a local bonspiel or even the territorials. It's a huge event. There's even an opening and closing ceremonies."

Although the girls are noted for their enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude, they're hoping not to suffer any blowout losses.

Nick's hoping they might pull of a few upsets, like the one they handed Yellowknife, an older more experienced team, at the territorials.

"You never know," he said. "Curling's a funny sport."