MISSISSAUGA, ON — Four-time defending Scotties Tournament of Hearts champion Kerri Einarson saw her quest for a historic fifth straight national title hit a major roadblock yesterday, January 31, 2026, suffering a decisive 10-2 loss to fellow Manitoban Kaitlyn Lawes in the Page 1-2 playoff game. The defeat sends Team Canada into a Saturday afternoon semifinal against Alberta’s Selena Sturmay, with a spot in the gold-medal game on the line.
A Dominant Performance from Lawes
In a highly anticipated all-Manitoba clash, Kaitlyn Lawes’ rink delivered a commanding performance, handing Einarson her first loss of the tournament in just eight ends. The 10-2 victory marked Lawes’ 100th career win in Scotties play and earned her a direct berth into Sunday’s championship final. For Einarson, the loss was uncharacteristic, with post-game analysis noting the skip curled just 45% in the high-stakes match.
The Path Forward: A Semifinal Redemption Chance
With the loss, Einarson’s team immediately turned their focus to a Saturday semifinal against Alberta skip Selena Sturmay. A win there would set up a rematch with Lawes for the Canadian women’s curling championship. The Gimli, Manitoba native is no stranger to pressure-packed playoff marathons, having navigated them successfully en route to her four consecutive Scotties titles from 2020 to 2023.
Balancing the Ice with Care
Off the ice, Einarson’s career in healthcare, working at a personal care home, has kept her grounded amidst the national spotlight. This balance between elite sport and essential service work has been a hallmark of her story throughout her championship runs.
FAQ
How many Scotties Tournament of Hearts has Kerri Einarson won?
Kerri Einarson is a four-time Canadian women’s curling champion, having skipped her team to victory at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
What was the score in Einarson’s loss to Kaitlyn Lawes?
In the Page 1-2 playoff game on January 31, 2026, Kaitlyn Lawes defeated Kerri Einarson by a score of 10-2 in eight ends.
Who does Kerri Einarson play next at the 2026 Scotties?
Following her loss to Lawes, Einarson’s Team Canada was set to face Alberta’s Selena Sturmay in the tournament semifinal on Saturday afternoon, January 31, with the winner advancing to the gold-medal game.