Identifying the names and roles of some players from Manitoba at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts can be a bit challenging.
However, there is no ambiguity regarding their standings.
With a record of 4-0, Manitoba stands as the only undefeated team in Pool B at the national women’s curling championship, following Beth Peterson’s 9-2 triumph over Krista Scharf from Northern Ontario on Monday afternoon.
“They really come through with crucial shots, and they’ve learned how to do that effectively,” stated Manitoba coach Jill Officer. “Moreover, they have developed a strong ability to support each other.
“If one player misses, the next one steps in and makes a significant shot to save the situation if necessary. That’s indicative of a fantastic team.”
Peterson, who transitioned from skip to third last autumn, achieved an impressive 88 percent accuracy. Kelsey Calvert, now skipping and throwing fourth, recorded an outstanding 95 percent.
The team, which comprises Melissa Gordon-Kurz and Katherine Remillard, retained the Team Peterson name after switching their back-end positions, a decision made after finishing last at the Canadian Pre-Trials in late October.
“I suggested it midway through the season because I wasn’t feeling confident in the [skip] role,” Peterson recalled. “It was definitely a team decision, and we feel really at ease with our current positions.”
Calvert previously competed under her maiden name, Kelsey Rocque. Meanwhile, Peterson’s maiden name is still utilized, even though she goes by her married name, Beth Turnbull, off the ice.
The quartet secured their spot at Paramount Fine Foods Centre by defeating Kate Cameron and Kaitlyn Lawes on the final day of the Manitoba playdowns.
“We just kept winning, and now we’re here and maintaining that momentum,” said Calvert regarding the team name. “It’s not a major concern for me, and I don’t believe it is for Beth either. We’re simply focused on playing for one another.
“What team name we have doesn’t matter; our aim is to perform well.”
They have indeed excelled during the initial four days of round-robin competition, outscoring their rivals 36-16.
Against a challenging opponent in Scharf, Peterson executed a double-takeout that helped Manitoba secure three points, taking a 5-2 lead in the sixth end. Another three-point end followed in the eighth, leading to a handshake between the teams.
Peterson noted that the timing of the provincial playdowns in early January contributed to the team’s strong performance entering this 10-day event.
“We finished strong, [we] lost two in a row but then won four consecutively,” she explained. “Honestly, I think we’re still riding that wave of momentum.”
Lawes defeats Einarson
In the evening draw, Lawes (5-0) took sole ownership of first place in Pool A with a 9-4 victory over Kerri Einarson of Canada. Lawes executed a remarkable angle-raise double-takeout to score three points in the second end and maintained control throughout the match.
“They are such a strong team, so we knew any chances we got, we had to capitalize on,” Lawes remarked.
Peterson, who has faced provincial finals losses in the past two seasons, made her only previous appearance at the Scotties in 2021 as a wild-card skip. Calvert made her debut as an alternate in 2020 and finished third in 2024 as a second on a wild-card team skipped by Cameron.
“Kelsey smoothly returned to the skip position she had played before, and she appeared very comfortable,” said Officer. “Beth is very expressive and brings a lot of energy; I believe that she can now project that to the entire team from her position as third.
“I think that has been a significant advantage.”
Lawes is also representing Manitoba as one of three pre-qualified entries. She secured the final position in the 18-team field as the highest-ranked team without a provincial or territorial title.
This opportunity arose when Einarson took over from Rachel Homan as the Canadian entry. Homan did not return to defend her title as she prepares for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics.
In the afternoon session, Nova Scotia’s Christina Black achieved a 9-1 victory over Mackenzie Mitchell of Newfoundland and Labrador. Alberta’s Kayla Skrlik defeated Nunavut’s Julia Weagle 9-2.
Amanda Power from Prince Edward Island secured a single point in the 10th end for a 7-6 victory against New Brunswick’s Melodie Forsythe.
In the evening matches, Ontario’s Hailey Armstrong triumphed over Yukon’s Bayly Scoffin 6-3, B.C.’s Taylor Reese-Hansen overcame Nicky Kaufman from the Northwest Territories 9-3, and Quebec’s Jolianne Fortin bested Saskatchewan’s Jolene Campbell 7-2.
Einarson dropped to a 4-1 record, with four teams at 2-2. Black stood alone in second place in Pool B at 3-1, with Skrlik and Alberta’s Selena Sturmay following at 2-1.
The top three teams from each pool at the end of the round-robin play on Thursday night will progress to the playoffs. The final match is set for Sunday.
The victorious team will represent Canada at the world women’s curling championship in March in Calgary.