Rachel Homan’s exceptional performance in women’s curling persisted on Sunday as she secured a 6-1 victory over Kerri Einarson from Manitoba, clinching the Scotties Tournament of Hearts title. Homan leads a team that holds the top ranking in both Canada and globally.
The Ottawa Curling Club squad, led by Homan, not only secured consecutive Canadian championships but also maintained an undefeated streak in the tournament for the second consecutive year, a feat unmatched by any other team. Homan’s impeccable 100% shooting accuracy in the low-scoring yet captivating final was pivotal in their victory, as Einarson conceded four stolen points in ends seven through nine before conceding defeat.
Expressing her pride in the team’s performance, Homan commented, “I’m just so proud of my team this week. It was so tough. We battled through a lot of games. Einarson’s team just played phenomenal. We needed the 100 per cent to beat them.”
Homan, along with Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, will aim to defend their world champion title in Uijeongbu, South Korea, from March 15-23. The team also earned a spot in the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, Ont., along with a prize money of $100,000.
With this victory, Homan and Emma Miskew secured their fifth Canadian curling titles, following behind Jennifer Jones, Jill Officer, and Colleen Jones with six titles each. Fleury and Wilkes claimed their second titles.
Homan, Einarson, and Jennifer Jones are the only skips to lead teams to consecutive championships in the past 15 years. Homan’s win also matched her previous record of 22 consecutive victories at the Hearts tournament from 2013 to 2015.
The defending champions asserted their dominance in Thunder Bay, Ont., with a sold-out crowd witnessing their remarkable performance. Einarson’s missed opportunities in crucial ends allowed Homan’s team to seize control and secure the victory.
Despite facing challenges, including ice conditions at the Gardens, Homan’s team showcased their experience, patience, and determination throughout the tournament. Looking ahead, Homan emphasized the team’s commitment to winning every game they compete in.
Additionally, the top three teams following Homan in the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) at the end of the season will earn direct entries to the Hearts tournament in Mississauga. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts winner also earns a berth in the Olympic trials, an honor already held by Homan and Einarson.
As the curling season progresses, the highest-ranking team not already qualified in the CTRS after the AMJ Players’ Championship in Toronto will secure a spot in the trials.
