The hometown favourite staged a comeback after being down 5-1 early, but fell just shy in the opening draw at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay.

Saskatchewan beat Northern Ontario 10-6 on Friday night in a tight game. The local team is skipped by Krista McCarville.

About 2,500 fans were in attendance at the Fort Williams Gardens.

A tough test awaits on Saturday night as the Northern Ontario rink get ready to face Canada, skipped by Rachel Homan.

Homan beat PEI in their opening draw 13-4.

The first stone in the match will be thrown at 8 p.m. (eastern)