Alberta Curlers Embrace Calm Approach in Pursuit of National Championship
As the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts reaches its critical final stages, Alberta skip Selena Sturmay and her Edmonton-based rink are demonstrating remarkable poise under pressure. With just two victories separating them from a lifelong dream of capturing the Canadian women's curling championship, the team maintains a surprisingly relaxed demeanor that has become their trademark throughout the tournament.
The Philosophy of Composure
"Ted always says we're too chill," revealed third Danielle Schmiemann, referencing coach Ted Appelman's observations about the team's approach. "He wants us to almost be a little more intense. But that's what works for us is the cool, calm, collected... So we'll try and carry that on to the next couple games."
This mindset has proven particularly effective during high-stakes moments, including Saturday afternoon's decisive 8-4 victory over Christina Black's experienced Nova Scotia rink in the 3-versus-4 playoff matchup at Mississauga's Paramount Fine Foods Centre.
Strategic Preparation Meets Emotional Balance
The Alberta champions from the Saville Community Sports Centre have methodically worked their way through the tournament field, consistently demonstrating both technical precision and emotional stability. Their success stems from a carefully cultivated balance between competitive intensity and enjoyment of the moment.
"We've worked hard this year to put ourselves in this position, and I think it's shown in our composure this week," explained Schmiemann, highlighting teammate Dezaray Hawes' insightful pre-game contribution. "Dez said... 'We worked so hard this year to put ourselves in this position... let's just enjoy it today.' And I think that took a little bit of the pressure off."
Navigating the Championship Path
The Edmonton rink now faces their most challenging test yet, preparing for Sunday's semifinal against either Kaitlyn Lawes or Keri Einarson's squad. The winner of this crucial matchup will advance to Sunday evening's championship draw, where national curling glory awaits.
Despite the magnitude of these upcoming contests, Sturmay's team plans to maintain their established approach. "More of the same," emphasized Schmiemann when asked about their strategy for defeating two of Canada's top rinks in a single day. "That kind of vibe and flow is what we've been looking for. That's kind of what's been working for us this week."
With skip Sturmay, third Schmiemann, second Hawes, and lead Paige Papley operating in sync, the Alberta representatives have positioned themselves as formidable contenders. Their ability to remain composed while executing precise shots under tournament pressure has become their defining characteristic as they pursue the Scotties Tournament of Hearts championship.
