What Is 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts

Overview

The 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts was the premier Canadian women's curling championship, determining the national representative for the World Women's Curling Championship. Held annually, the event brings together top provincial and territorial teams to compete for the title of Canadian champion.

Hosted in Lethbridge, Alberta, the 2019 edition featured 16 teams representing each province, territory, and Team Canada. The tournament followed a round-robin format followed by playoff rounds, culminating in a final on February 24.

• February 16–24, 2019: The tournament spanned nine days at the ENMAX Centre, drawing thousands of fans and extensive media coverage.
• 16 competing teams: Each Canadian province and territory sent a representative, including Team Canada as defending champion.
• Kerri Einarson’s first win: The Manitoba skip captured her first national title after skipping in previous Scotties events without a championship.
• Final score: 8–6: Manitoba defeated Ontario, skipped by Rachel Homan, in the championship game to claim the title.
• Lethbridge, Alberta: The host city welcomed teams and fans, marking the third time Alberta hosted the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in the 2010s.

How It Works

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts uses a structured format to ensure fair competition among the top women’s curling teams in Canada. Teams qualify through provincial and territorial playdowns, with the defending champion earning an automatic berth.

• Round-robin pools: The 16 teams are divided into two pools of eight, playing all opponents in their group to determine rankings.
• Top four advance: The top four teams from each pool move to the championship pool, where they carry over head-to-head results.
• Championship pool: The top four teams after the extended round-robin play a Page playoff system to determine the finalists.
• Page playoff system: The 1 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 4 games determine semifinalists, with the winner of 1 vs. 2 going straight to the final.
• Team Canada: The previous year’s champion earns a direct entry, regardless of provincial affiliation, to defend their title.
• Worlds qualification: The winning team represents Canada at the World Women’s Curling Championship, typically held in March.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-performing teams at the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts based on final standings and key statistics.

The table highlights Manitoba’s consistency, finishing with the best round-robin record and winning both playoff games. Ontario matched them closely, but fell short in the final. Alberta and Quebec demonstrated strong performances, while Team Canada, skipped by Val Sweeting, failed to advance beyond the preliminary rounds despite home-province advantage.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts had significant implications for Canadian curling, influencing team rankings, sponsorship opportunities, and international representation. It also spotlighted emerging talent and competitive depth across provinces.

• National pride: Winning the Scotties grants the right to represent Canada at the World Championships, a major honor in the sport.
• Player recognition: Champions like Kerri Einarson gain visibility, boosting endorsement and media opportunities.
• Team development: Success often leads to increased funding and support from Curling Canada and sponsors.
• Grassroots impact: High-profile events inspire youth participation and local curling club engagement.
• Historical context: The 2019 win marked Manitoba’s 13th Scotties title, reinforcing its legacy in women’s curling.
• Media exposure: The tournament was broadcast nationally on TSN, reaching millions and elevating the sport’s profile.

Ultimately, the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts was a pivotal moment in Canadian winter sports, showcasing elite athleticism and strategic depth while shaping the future of women’s curling in the country.