Kerri Einarson’s curling team has been experiencing a lot of flux in their lineup, with multiple substitutions and injuries affecting their performance. Joanne Courtney, a former world champion and Olympic athlete, has been recruited to play second for Einarson’s team in upcoming tournaments. Courtney retired in 2023 and is currently a television curling analyst, but she is excited to join the team and is working hard to prepare for the upcoming competitions.
Einarson’s team has faced several lineup changes throughout the season, with Shannon Birchard being sidelined due to a knee injury in September. Various players have rotated in to fill the missing positions, including Laura Walker and Dawn McEwen. Despite the challenges, Einarson’s team has managed to achieve success, including winning the season-opening Grand Slam tournament in Charlottetown.
During a training camp in mid-October, it became apparent that Birchard’s knee injury was still impacting her ability to compete. As a result, she will be unable to participate in the team’s next two events. Einarson, Val Sweeting, Birchard, and Krysten Karwacki have been a successful team, winning multiple Scotties Tournament of Hearts titles and world championship bronze medals from 2020 to 2023.
The team faced further setbacks when Briane Harris tested positive for a banned substance on the eve of the 2024 Hearts in Calgary. Harris was provisionally suspended pending the outcome of her appeal, and Karwacki has been playing lead in her absence. Despite these challenges, the team has remained focused on their goal of competing and winning, adapting to the changing lineup with a positive attitude.
Einarson has encouraged her team to embrace the constant changes in the lineup and focus on enjoying the game of curling. Despite the uncertainty and challenges they have faced, the team has remained resilient and focused on making curling shots and having fun on the ice. Winning the Grand Slam tournament in Charlottetown was a confidence boost for Einarson and her team, reaffirming their belief in their ability to succeed.
In other curling news, Brad Jacobs secured his first tournament win with his new team at the Nufloors Penticton Curling Classic. Jacobs replaced Brendan Bottcher as skip this season and led his team to victory in the final. Bottcher, meanwhile, is currently playing second for Brad Gushue at the Pan Continental championship in Lacombe. Kevin Koe had a mixed performance in Penticton, missing the quarterfinals with Aaron Sluchinski in the lineup for the first time after Jacques Gauthier was fired in September.
