Scotties Skips Aim for Victory in Homan-less Competition
In Mississauga, Ontario, the excitement is palpable as teams compete in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. This year, a notable absence looms large: five-time champion Rachel Homan and her rink. With the approaching Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Curling Canada decided that the Olympic representatives would not participate in this year’s championship. This decision denies Homan’s team a chance at a third consecutive world title.
Defending Champion Kerri Einarson Takes Center Stage
Four-time champion Kerri Einarson leads the charge, donning the red-and-white Team Canada jersey. Einarson’s team has dominated the tournament between 2020 and 2023, winning every year and finishing as a runner-up last season. “It’s an absolute honour to wear the red and white again,” Einarson stated, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding this year’s event.
Strong Contenders in the Competition
Einarson’s rink is favored, being the only team with a title-winning skip. However, other teams are eager to seize the opportunity. Notably, Christina Black, a bronze medallist in 2025, is a significant contender. Her team reached the finals at the recent Olympic Trials, upsetting Einarson’s rink in the semifinals. Black expressed her determination to win: “We want to get on top of the podium this time.”
- Kerri Einarson – Four-time champion, 2020-2023
- Christina Black – 2025 Scotties bronze medallist, finalist at Olympic Trials
- Kaitlyn Lawes – Past winner as member of Jennifer Jones’ team
- Krista Scharf – Two-time silver medallist, representing Northern Ontario
- Selena Sturmay – Competing in the tournament for the third straight year
Krista Scharf shared her thoughts on the competition, noting that every team is eager for victory. “Every team is wanting it really badly,” she noted. Meanwhile, teams like Sturmay’s from Alberta, participating for the third time, are shifting gears from experience to a winning mindset. “We’re here to win. It’s nice that Rachel Homan is not here,” Sturmay expressed.
The Tournament Structure
This year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts is particularly significant, marking the last event before the Olympic cycle changes. The tournament runs throughout the week, concluding with the finals on Sunday. Teams are focused on making history in Canadian curling.
As the competition heats up, all eyes are on the performances. For teams without the powerhouse presence of Homan, the playing field is more competitive. The athletes are determined to etch their names into the annals of Canadian curling history as they strive for victory.
