Former World Junior, Two-time Canadian Junior, and nine-time PEI Women’s (Scotties) champion Suzanne Birt announced her return to competitive curling this afternoon on Twitter and Facebook:

Birt, who last won the  PEI  Scotties in  2016, stepped back from the sport for two seasons, saying “I really needed the mental break from competing. I miss it terribly but am enjoying time to myself and my family” and continuing with “it has been a huge part of my life for so long. I will be back!” 

Related story (CBC PEI):
P.E.I.’s Suzanne Birt takes break from curling

Curl PEI File photo (L-R): Suzanne Birt, Marie Christianson, Meaghan Hughes in January 2016.

Her new team will include third Marie Christianson, and second Meaghan Hughes, both of whom were with her when she last competed in and won the PEI Scotties in January 2016.

Curling Canada photo: Michelle McQuaid

Lead stone will be Michelle McQuaid, who played on this year’s PEI Scotties winning team, which was skipped by Birt’s third in 2016, Robyn MacPhee. Hughes was also on the team. MacPhee announced on the weekend that she was taking a break from competitive curling, and the team announced that they were “going our separate ways”.

Team Birt on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Team-Birt-766752610109503/

Team Birt on Twitter: twitter.com/teambirt