Rachel Homan’s curling team from Ottawa has successfully defended its title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, claiming victory with a 6-1 win over Kerri Einarson’s team from Manitoba. The championship, held in Thunder Bay, Ontario, marks Homan's fifth Canadian title and extends her impressive record to back-to-back championship wins.
The Ottawa squad, comprised of Homan, third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, and lead Sarah Wilkes, went undefeated throughout the tournament, finishing with an 11-0 record and improving to 56-4 for the season. They are set to represent Canada at the upcoming world championship, scheduled to take place from March 15-23, 2025, in Uijeongbu, South Korea.
According to reports, Homan’s team displayed exceptional skill throughout the tournament, noted for their perfect shooting percentages and strategic gameplay. “There’s no feeling (like it),” expressed Homan after the victory. “The championship days are always tough, they’re always nerve-racking.”
The final match was characterized by tightly contested gameplay, but Homan’s tactical execution and confidence allowed her team to pull away, particularly during the latter half of the match. Homan dominated, curling with 100 percent accuracy, which is unprecedented for any player at the Scotties golden stage. This level of performance reaffirmed Homan’s status as one of the top athletes in women’s curling.
Throughout the game, Team Homan maintained pressure on Team Einarson. After exchanging points through the early ends, it was Homan’s decisive plays, particularly her brilliant hit-and-roll strategies and dominating double takeouts, which changed the game’s momentum.
The match began with both teams feeling out each other's strategy, with Einarson forcing Homan to only score one point in the second end. Homan, resilient as ever, effectively neutralized threats from Einarson’s side. The turning point came when Homan made a stunning hit-and-roll behind cover, stealing one point and catapulting her team to lead 5-1. This capability to capitalize on the opponent’s mistakes proved pivotal.
After trailing, Einarson's team, which had its own share of high-performing players, faced challenges. Despite being the defending champions, they struggled with the ice conditions and execution, which Einarson later described as frustrating. “I definitely want some shots back,” Einarson noted, reflecting on her team's performance.
The venue for the championship, the Fort William Gardens, was sold out with 3,442 attendees, showing immense local support for the teams. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their favorites, upholding the rich tradition of curling camaraderie.
Homan expressed pride not just for her performance but for her team’s camaraderie and resilience. “We felt the nerves, but we stuck together. We had some misses early but we just kept learning and made big shots when we needed to,” said Homan. Her heartfelt sentiments reflect the intense pressure and determination present at championship-level sports.
This victory also highlights the remarkable consistency of Team Homan as they continue their reign over Canadian curling. They have not only secured their second straight Scotties title but have done so by achieving the rare feat of being undefeated—a testimony to their preparation and skill.
Looking forward, Homan and her team will take on the world stage again, aiming to defend their world title, having previously won it last year. The curling community eagerly anticipates their performance as they don the Maple Leaf internationally.
The next opportunity for fans to support their favorite teams will be at the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, set to take place from January 23 to February 1, 2026, at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. With their successful run, Homan’s team has qualified for this prestigious event, ensuring fans will see them compete for another chance at Canadian glory.
Overall, Homan's back-to-back titles at the Scotties, alongside her skilled team, mark yet another historic chapter in Canadian curling. The sport, known for its strategic complexity and sportsmanship, continues to captivate audiences across the nation.