(CCA) With the Scotties Tournament of Hearts set to take to the stage at the Charlottetown Civic Centre, February 19 – 27, the field is shaping up for one of the most entertaining women’s championships in recent memory.
While fans won’t see an encore of last year’s dramatic final between PEI’s Kathy O’Rourke and reigning champion Jennifer Jones, the hopes of the Island will be in experienced hands. Suzanne Birt defeated O’Rourke in the provincial playdowns January 31 to move on to her sixth appearance at the national title.
“It’s a really interesting field with a great mix of seasoned veterans and young upcomers,” said Kim Dolan, Host Committee Chair. “Jennifer Jones is going for her fourth straight title, but there’s some tough competitors standing in the way… fans are going to be in for a real treat!”
One of the notable opponents for Jones is Manitoba’s Cathy Overton-Clapham, making her seventh trip to the Scotties. The stage is now set for a showdown – 7:30 pm Wednesday, February 23 – against her former skip.
Former Scotties and World champion Kelly Scott will be in Charlottetown representing BC and Olympic medal winner Shannon Kleibrink returns to the national stage wearing the Alberta colours. Amber Holland is back for Saskatchewan after her skipping debut in 2010.
Nova Scotia’s Heather Smith-Dacey and Kerry Galusha, representing the Northwest Territories/Yukon, will also be back for another shot at the Canadian women’s title.
2010 Canadian junior champ Rachel Homan capped off an impressive season on the cash circuit with a victory over Krista McCarville in the finals of the Ontario playdowns. Andrea Kelly – winner of the 2005 Canadian juniors – prevailed in New Brunswick and 2007 junior title-holder Stacie Devereaux will represent Newfoundland/Labrador.
The final team to complete the field is Quebec, with the champion to be determined February 6.
Great seats are still available for all the excitement. Tickets for all 22 draws are on sale, starting at just $16. Pick the draws and times that work best for your personal schedule… right through to the championship final.
Tickets can be can be purchased online, by phone at 902.629.6625 or in person at the Civic Centre Box Office.
Your ticket also includes complimentary admission to the HeartStop Lounge… the heartbeat of post-game revelry. Enjoy an appetizing array of food and beverages and the live sounds of amazing Canadian entertainers… including Rawlins Cross, Fiddlers’ Sons, Shameless, Shaydid, Signal Hill and the Chevelles.