Kayla Skrlik and her Alberta rink are making headlines at the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts held at Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay, Ontario. After finishing the round-robin stage with a solid 6-2 record, Skrlik's team is now eyeing the gold medal after clinching their spot following decisive performances.
Entering the playoffs on Friday, Skrlik's squad faced tough competition, particularly from Kerri Einarson's Manitoba team, which had won the last Scotties title and was also aiming for the championship. The night promised high stakes, as the plays developed around Team Skrlik facing off against another formidable team.
Skrlik's team celebrated their qualification by defeating Ontario's Team Danielle Inglis 9-8, with the match showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. Being the first time Skrlik led her team to the playoffs, the excitement was palpable, and she expressed her feelings saying, "Oh my God, it’s so exciting. To win now, it means quite a bit to us." This marks a significant step for Skrlik's team, which is eager to advance and prove they belong at the top of Canadian curling.
Meanwhile, the playoffs, which started with thrilling matchups, saw the reigning champions, Team Canada led by Rachel Homan, compete against Nova Scotia's Team Christina Black, showcasing the depth of talent this year's tournament has displayed. The matchup between Team Canada and Team Nova Scotia generated buzz as both teams brought their A-game, with the winner gaining direct entry to the gold medal match.
Kayla Skrlik's team, contingent on finishing well, faced Kerri Einarson's diverse group, including vice-skip Val Sweeting and second Karlee Burgess. Reflecting on how each playoff presented unique challenges, Skrlik acknowledged the learning curve they’ve navigated throughout the week. Skrlik shared, "We played all the teams we could play (in the playoffs); Christina is still in it, and then Rachel and Kerri; we played all those teams this year. So we'll just treat it like we treated them all year long,” indicating her team's confidence going forward.
The playoff structure itself emphasizes the high stakes teams must overcome, with four teams earning second chances based on their round-robin performance. The Page playoffs include intense pressure, as the losers of each match must fight their way through lower brackets to continue their pursuit of the championship.
Einarson’s team, which had been struggling early, rallied late with four straight victories. “It definitely hasn’t been easy; we haven’t made it easy on ourselves,” she remarked after qualifying for the playoffs. This determination under pressure exemplifies the spirit of competition during such high-profile events.
The excitement surrounding the tournament isn't limited to the players; fans and spectators have embraced the tense atmosphere, thrilled by fast-paced matches and awe-inspiring shots. Calgary's Skrlik emphasized this fandom by noting how support from fellow Albertans has been strong and amplifies their competitive edge.
Looking forward, as the competition heats up, Skrlik's ambitions align with greater stakes—advancing not just at the Scotties but potentially qualifying for the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials leading to the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is evident as she playfully noted the tracking spreadsheets her team keeps to monitor their standings: "If I told you we didn’t have a spreadsheet going I’d be lying. We’re looking for Scotties berths, we’re looking for Trials berths. So, yeah, this means quite a bit for our season and the points chase for all of our big goals.”
With two victories already during playoff action and ambitions sky-high, Kayla Skrlik and her rink are not just competing for the Scotties title but also carving out their legacy within the sport of curling. The competition will continue through the weekend, culminating on Sunday when the best of the best will contend for the ultimate prize—a moment of glory influenced by each team’s path, skill, and determination.