After months of anticipation, the World Women’s Curling Championship is underway at Harbour Station in Saint John.

Rachel Homan, 24, is at the helm for Team Canada, whoseappearance at the tournament was put in jeopardy by Thursday’s storm.

Instead of flying direct, the team flew to Halifax and took an expensive four-hour cab ride to Saint John.

“It was a long drive, but we made it,” says lead Lisa Weagle.

This is Homan’s second appearance at the Worlds. She also competed last year in Latvia, where she took home the bronze medal.

Homan and company had a perfect 13-0 record at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts and are considered to be contenders at the Worlds.

“Watching the Olympics, we were really inspired by the performance of the Canadian teams and we’re really hoping to be on top of the podium here,” says Weagle.

Beginning Saturday, 12 teams will go head-to-head in a round-robin tournament. By next Friday, four teams will advance to the semi-finals.

While the title is up for grabs, Team Canada has its eye on Sweden, led by skip Margaretha Sigfridsson, who won silver at the Sochi Olympics.

“It would be fun to play Rachel in the final,” says Sigfridsson. “It sure would be, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Hosting a tournament with this calibre of curler is a great opportunity for Maritimers to get out and see the game at its highest level.

“If you’ve always been kind of an armchair curler and always watched it on television, this is your opportunity,” says tournament organizer Jeff Lacey.

Volunteers and fans say they can’t wait for the first rock to be thrown.

“We can all make one big shot in a game, but these skips, they do it every time,” says fan Stephen Cain.

Team Canada says they are excited to play on home ice and are calling on Maritimers to come and show their support.

“Curling is a lot of fun and there is nothing like live sports and live curling event, so come on down and support Team Canada,” says Weagle.

The opening ceremony begins Saturday at noon and it is free to attend. Tickets are still available.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Plowman