Scotties Notebook: Alberta Rivalry Decides Playoff Fate Amid Controversial 'Burnt Rock' Incident
The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, Ontario, witnessed a dramatic all-Alberta showdown on Tuesday evening that carried profound implications for the Pool B playoff race. The intense battle between Edmonton's Selena Sturmay and Calgary's Kayla Skrlik not only determined postseason positioning but also sparked significant controversy surrounding a disputed stone in the final end.
Sturmay's Decisive Victory Amidst Adversity
Selena Sturmay emerged victorious with a commanding 9-5 win over fellow Albertan Kayla Skrlik, though the path to triumph was anything but straightforward. The Edmonton skip demonstrated remarkable composure in navigating what she described as confusing circumstances surrounding a critical 'burnt rock' incident that threatened to derail her team's momentum.
"I think as a skip, you have to be able to face that adversity," Sturmay reflected moments after securing the crucial victory. "Anything can come your way. I'm still kind of confused what the whole debacle was there—just not too sure."
The Game-Changing Controversy
The match reached its boiling point in the final end with the score tied 5-5. Skrlik attempted a draw to the button that resulted in both teams' brooms colliding at the tee-line, causing the Calgary skip's broom to strike the moving stone and stop it prematurely. This created what curling officials term a 'burnt rock' situation, requiring immediate resolution.
According to Curling Canada rules, as the non-offending team, Skrlik had three options: leave the stone where it stopped, reposition it to where they believed it would have naturally come to rest, or remove it entirely from play. Team Skrlik ultimately chose to leave the stone in its controversial position.
Sturmay's Authoritative Response
Despite the confusing circumstances, Sturmay responded with authority. Even though she appeared to already have shot-stone, the Edmonton skip decisively removed the disputed rock with her hammer, slamming it out of the house to secure victory. The move resulted in a four-point final end that sealed the 9-5 win.
"That's a tough one to navigate," Sturmay admitted regarding the controversy. "I don't really have anything nice to say, if I'm being honest about that. I feel like there was no infraction, and if there was a burnt rock, if my broom was in the way which caused them to burn the rock, that was in favour of them."
The Edmonton skip suggested the incident might have been psychological warfare, adding, "I'm not really sure what they were trying to get at, other than just play mind games at that point. But I thought we did a really good job handling it."
Match Dynamics and Strategic Play
The game unfolded with Sturmay establishing early dominance, scoring four points in the third end to put Skrlik in a significant deficit. Though the Calgary rink managed to claw back with two points in the fourth, Sturmay regained momentum with one in the fifth, entering the break with a commanding 5-2 lead.
Skrlik demonstrated remarkable resilience in the second half, scoring one in the sixth end followed by steals of one in both the eighth and ninth ends to tie the game at 5-5 heading into the dramatic final frame. This comeback set the stage for the controversial conclusion that would ultimately decide the match.
Playoff Implications and Tournament Landscape
Sturmay's victory carries significant weight in the broader tournament context. Combined with evening draw wins by Manitoba's Beth Peterson and Nova Scotia's Christina Black, the Pool B standings entering Wednesday's play now feature a clearer hierarchy at the top. The Alberta showdown has effectively reshaped the playoff picture, with Sturmay positioning herself favorably for postseason advancement.
The incident highlights the intense pressure and strategic complexity of elite curling competition, where split-second decisions and rule interpretations can determine tournament outcomes. As the Scotties Tournament of Hearts progresses, this Alberta clash will undoubtedly be remembered for both its competitive intensity and the controversial circumstances that accompanied its conclusion.
