2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts: A Comprehensive Guide to All Competing Teams
The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts promises thrilling competition as eighteen exceptional curling squads vie for the coveted Canadian women's championship title. With defending champion Rachel Homan focusing on Olympic preparation, the field remains wide open for other talented teams to seize the crown.
Tournament Overview and Format
The national curling championship commences on Friday at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. This prestigious event brings together the finest women's curling talent from across Canada, representing various provinces and curling clubs. The absence of Homan, who has dominated recent tournaments, creates an unprecedented opportunity for other contenders to establish their legacy in Canadian curling history.
Team Profiles and Championship Analysis
Here is a detailed breakdown of the key teams competing for the 2026 Scotties championship:
Team Canada: Kerri Einarson Rink
Representing: Gimli Curling Club, Gimli, Manitoba
Lineup: Kerri Einarson (skip), Val Sweeting (third), Shannon Birchard (second), Karlee Burgess (lead), Krysten Karwacki (alternate), Reid Carruthers (coach)
Qualification: First Canadian Team Ranking System qualifier
Championship Outlook: Einarson assumes Team Canada status following Homan's withdrawal from the Scotties to concentrate on Olympic preparation. This Manitoba-based squad brings considerable championship experience, having secured consecutive Canadian titles from 2020 to 2023. During that dominant period, they represented Canada as defending champions at three separate Scotties tournaments. With Homan absent from competition, Einarson's rink emerges as the clear favorite to capture the championship in Mississauga.
Team Alberta: Kayla Skrlik Rink
Representing: Garrison Curling Club, Calgary
Lineup: Kayla Skrlik (skip), Margot Flemming (third), Ashton Skrlik (second), Geri-Lynn Ramsay (vice-skip), Crystal Rumberg (alternate), Shannon Kleibrink (coach)
Qualification: Second CTRS qualifier
Championship Outlook: The Skrlik rink aims to build upon their previous Scotties performances, which included a 4-4 record followed by a 6-2 showing with a 1-2 playoff mark. This relatively young Calgary team seeks to demonstrate that their 2-6 Olympic trials performance, which included a notable victory over Homan, represents genuine progress rather than a temporary achievement. Their continued development positions them as legitimate contenders for the Canadian championship.
Team Nova Scotia: Christina Black Rink
Representing: Halifax Curling Club
Lineup: Christina Black (skip), Jill Brothers (third), Jennifer Baxter (front end), Karlee Everist (front end), Marlee Powers (front end), Stuart MacLean (coach)
Qualification: Third CTRS qualifier
Championship Outlook: Black's team enters the tournament with strong momentum, having earned bronze at last year's Scotties and silver at the November Olympic trials. With twenty-five combined Scotties appearances among team members, this experienced Halifax squad possesses the championship pedigree necessary for success. Their recent 6-3 semifinal victory over Einarson at the Olympic trials, followed by two straight losses to Homan in the championship, demonstrates their competitive capability against elite opponents.
Team Manitoba: Selena Njegovan Rink
Representing: Heather Curling Club, Winnipeg
Lineup: Selena Njegovan (skip), Kaitlyn Lawes (fourth), Laura Walker (second), Kristin Gordon (lead), Erin Pincott (alternate), Marcel Rocque (coach)
Qualification: Next-best CTRS team following Homan's withdrawal
Championship Outlook: Lawes returns for her fourth consecutive Scotties appearance, though without decorated second Jocelyn Peterman, who will compete in mixed doubles at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Her replacement, Laura Walker, brings substantial championship experience as a five-time Scotties participant, 2021 bronze medallist, and 2018 Canadian mixed doubles champion. This veteran presence strengthens the team's championship aspirations despite Peterman's absence.
Competitive Landscape and Championship Implications
The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts represents a pivotal moment in Canadian women's curling. With Homan's absence creating unprecedented opportunity, multiple teams possess legitimate championship credentials. The tournament will test not only technical curling skills but also strategic adaptability and mental resilience under pressure.
Each competing rink brings unique strengths to the ice, from Einarson's championship pedigree to Black's recent success at major tournaments. The expanded field of eighteen teams ensures diverse playing styles and strategic approaches, promising compelling matchups throughout the championship week.
As the curling community gathers in Mississauga, anticipation builds for what promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable Scotties tournaments in recent memory. The vacant crown awaits a new champion, and the journey to determine Canada's best women's curling team begins this Friday.
