THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The highly anticipated closing rounds of the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts have produced some thrilling matches, showcasing tremendous talent on the ice as athletes vie for the ultimate prize. When Rachel Homan is on her game, no stone is safe from her, and she proved this once again with her commanding performance leading her team to victory over Kerri Einarson’s Manitoba squad.
On Saturday, Homan and her team from the Ottawa Curling Club claimed an impressive 8-4 victory over Einarson, cementing their place in Sunday’s championship game. Accompanied by third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, and lead Sarah Wilkes, Homan's squad not only faced the pressure of defending their title but also aimed for the chance to complete the rare feat of going undefeated across two consecutive tournaments—something no team has achieved.
The victory against Einarson marked Homan's entry to the championship where she hopes to replicate her previous successes at the Scotties Tournament, where she has already won two titles—back-to-back victories occurring in 2013 and 2014. Meanwhile, Einarson’s team, known for their own remarkable run, dropped to the semifinal match against Nova Scotia's Christina Black, who had secured her own place after narrowly defeating Alberta's Kayla Skrlik 8-7.
"We want to wear the Maple Leaf in a couple of weeks," Homan said immediately after the match. Her team aims to defend the world title earned last year and is committed intensely to training for this tournament, which culminates as they represent Canada on the world stage come March 15-23 in Uijeongbu, South Korea.
Homan's skills were showcased not only by her leadership but also by her unparalleled precision on the ice. The skip’s ability to execute big-weight hits played a pivotal role and did not go unnoticed, as she executed two key shots during the sixth and ninth ends to score deuces, instantly igniting cheers from the crowd at Fort William Gardens. "The game wasn’t on the line, but it was important to get those points," Homan reflected on her strategic plays.
Following the semi-final's conclusion, emotions ran high for Corryn Brown and Team BC, who saw their hopes for championship glory dashed following a 10-5 defeat to Nova Scotia's Christina Black during the three versus four page playoff qualifier. Brown expressed her disappointment in the post-match interview, noting, "I think we were a whisker away from making it. If I had made my shot, we might have scored three points."
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia established early control with a two-point lead right from the first end, maintaining consistent pressure against Team BC. They often countered with strategic responses, and their solid teamwork enabled them to widen the gap, eventually securing their win.
The night of competition also brought awards recognition for exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Sarah Koltun of Team BC was named First Team All-Star as second, and lead Samantha Fisher received the accolade of the event's best lead. Koltun expressed her pride, saying, "Playing well at the Scotties is always what you aim for, and winning this accolade is definitely special."
The playoff curse seemed to follow BC's hope to hold on to the championship dream; unable to convert small advantages as the match progressed, they fell short of the semifinal opportunity. Black's upcoming duel against Skrlik's team for the spot of the tournament's semifinal promises to be yet another electrifying battle as various teams continue their quest for ultimate glory.
For Rachel Homan and her accomplished team, their winning streak also reflects their hard work and determination, as they prepare for the championship match, seeking to extend their astounding record and embrace the legacy they have been building together. This tournament, filled with rivalry and sportsmanship, certainly captivates the audiences as the final matches are just around the corner. With the excitement infinite, fans and fellow competitors watch as one final question remains: can Homan claim yet another title and write their names firmly within the annals of curling history?
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2025.