Curling returns to Montreal – Scotties Tournaments of Hearts 2014

Sports — 02 February 2014

You might not think that watching a curling tournament would have you sitting at the edge of your seat, biting your nails in anticipation, waiting to see how a draw would end. While the pace may not be as fast as other sports performed on ice, the twists and turns will keep you guessing, hoping, and cheering throughout.

Last year in Kingston, Rachel Homan and her team took the title away from the Manitoba team led by Jennifer Jones. The win against the world champion and five-time Tournament of Hearts winner came as a bit of a surprise, considering this was only the second time that Homan participated in the tournament.

Jones will not be returning to reclaim her title as she is currently preparing for Sochi, after winning the women’s Olympic trials in Winnipeg at the end of December.

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts caries on, making a return to Montreal after a 30-year hiatus, with the best female curlers in the country vying to the coveted win.

The first weekend of play has introduced us to the field, which consists of many newcomers.With Homan’s Team Canada leading the pack, the second position consists of a 4-way tie between Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland. While the first three are considered strong contenders, Newfoundland is considered a long-shot to win but the Strong sisters (skip Heather and third Laura) are not going down without a fight…

The overall winner may not be decided within the top two position as some of the new teams have already made their mark over the first weekend of competition. The team from Whitehorse, Yukon/ NWT led by Sarah Koltun has had a great start. While they have only won one and lost the other draw, they have worked well, and may offer up a few more surprises before the end of the tournament. They are certainly an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with…