Rookies Invade Scotties
January 31, 2009
- Article by Brad Norman
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This year's edition of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is showing some new faces. A lot of new face. There were upsets in provincial playdowns right across the country, leading to one of the youngest and most surprising feilds ever at the Tournament of Hearts.
Alberta's squad is probably one of the biggest surprises. The rookie team skipped by Valerie Sweeting earned their ticket to the Scotties by defeating the super star Shannon Kleibrink in the Alberta playdowns. The Sweeting team has a lot of youth, with their oldest player coming in at just 23 years of age.
New Brunswick's Andrea Kelly also makes a return to the Tornament of Hearts. The former junior champion also brings some young players along with her.
Another new face at the Scotties comes from Newfoundland. There was a changing of the gaurds in the Newfoundland playdowns, as Shelley Nichols edged out the long-time Newfoundland representative Heather Strong. Shelley Nichols is the sister of Olympic champion Mark Nichols, who plays third for Brad Gushue.
Prince Edward Island's squad also features some rookies. Erin Carmody and Geri Lynn Ramsay—who throw fourth and third stones, respectively—are heading in to the big league straight from juniors. The vetern player on the team, Kathy O'Rourke, calls the shots but throws second stones.
Eve Belisle, a common name to the Grand Slam, makes her Tournament of Hearts debut. Quebec has routinely been represented by Marie-France Larouche. Belisle's team from Mount Royal beat the powerful Larouche squad in the playdowns, booking them a trip to their first Scotties.
But it's not all surprises at this year's Tournament of Hearts. Some expected teams are making an appearance. Ontario is represented by the rising star Krista McCarville, one of the favorites to win the whole event. Also, Kelly Scott returns to the Tournament of Hearts after a year absence. And, of course, Jennifer Jones returns as Team Canada for a chance to defend their title.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts will run until February 7th, when the national champion will be crowned.
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