Five Key Insights from the 2026 Scotties: Manitoba Dominance and Electric Play
The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts is hurtling toward its dramatic conclusion, with the final weekend set to crown a new Canadian champion. This year's event has been particularly electrifying, unfolding without the presence of Olympic-focused skip Rachel Homan, yet it has delivered non-stop excitement and high-caliber curling.
Manitoba's Curling Supremacy on Full Display
One of the most striking narratives of this tournament has been the overwhelming dominance of teams from Manitoba. As the playoffs narrowed the field from eighteen teams down to six on Friday, then to four on Saturday, and finally to three for Sunday's decisive matches, Manitoba has consistently led the charge.
Remarkably, half of the six teams that advanced to Friday's qualifying games hail from Manitoba. This formidable trio includes:
- Kerri Einarson of Team Canada, representing the Gimli Curling Club, who finished the round robin with an impressive 7-1 record.
- Kaitlyn Lawes, a qualifier via the Canadian Team Ranking System from Winnipeg's Heather Curling Club, who posted a perfect 8-0 round robin.
- Beth Peterson, the Manitoba champion from Winnipeg's Assiniboine Curling Club, who also went undefeated at 8-0.
These three squads outperformed the remaining contenders—Nova Scotia's Christina Black and Taylour Stevens, along with Alberta's Selena Sturmay—all of whom finished with respectable 6-2 records. This collective success underscores Manitoba's enduring status as Canada's premier curling hotbed, a province that continues to produce elite talent and competitive teams year after year.
Kaitlyn Lawes: A Long-Awaited Breakout Performance
Among the standout stories of this Scotties is the exceptional play of skip Kaitlyn Lawes. After previous appearances that failed to meet expectations, Lawes and her Winnipeg-based team have finally delivered a performance worthy of their considerable talent.
Lawes's undefeated run through the round robin, which included a decisive victory over four-time champion Kerri Einarson, signals her arrival as a true contender. Her shooting percentage of 85% tied for the best among skips, while her team demonstrated remarkable consistency across all positions.
Third Selena Njegovan led all players at her position with an 88% shooting percentage, second Laura Walker shared top honors at 86%, and lead Kristin Gordon contributed a solid 86% as well. This level of execution from such a skilled group has been a joy to watch and suggests that Lawes may be on the cusp of claiming her first Scotties title.
The Tournament Structure and Thrilling Climax
The 10-day event has followed a rigorous schedule, culminating in a series of high-stakes matches. Friday's qualifying games at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time set the stage for Saturday's Page playoffs, which in turn determined the participants for Sunday's semifinal at 1 p.m. ET and the championship final at 7 p.m. ET.
Held at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, this year's Scotties has been a rollercoaster of intense competition and memorable moments. With the throne vacated by Rachel Homan, the path was clear for new champions to emerge, and the remaining teams have seized the opportunity with both hands.
As the final hours approach, fans are left to wonder which team will ultimately hoist the trophy. Will Manitoba's dominance translate into another championship, or will an underdog from Nova Scotia or Alberta stage an upset? One thing is certain: the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts has already cemented its place as a thrilling and unforgettable chapter in Canadian curling history.
