The Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026 brings together the best women’s curling teams from across Canada to compete for the national championship. Held from January 23 to February 1, 2026, at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, this year’s tournament features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars—all vying for curling’s most prestigious title in the country.
In this article, we take a look at the teams competing at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026, key players to watch, and what makes this year’s lineup especially compelling.
Overview of Teams at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts brings together teams representing Canadian provinces and territories, plus the reigning national champion (Team Canada). Each team has earned its spot through provincial or territorial playdowns or national ranking criteria.
Teams at the 2026 championship include, but may not be limited to:
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Team Canada (Defending Champion)
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Team Ontario
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Team Manitoba
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Team Alberta
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Team Saskatchewan
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Team British Columbia
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Team Quebec
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Team Nova Scotia
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Team New Brunswick
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Team Prince Edward Island
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Team Newfoundland & Labrador
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Team Northwest Territories
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Team Yukon
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Team Nunavut
These teams represent the depth and breadth of Canadian curling talent and often include seasoned Olympians, national champions, and breakout teams eager to make their mark.
Team Canada – Defending Champions
As the reigning champions, Team Canada enters the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026 with high expectations. This team has already demonstrated elite skill, consistency, and the ability to deliver under pressure. Fans will be watching closely to see how Team Canada defends their title and if they can continue their winning legacy.
Team Ontario – Host Province Representation
Competing on home ice in Mississauga, Team Ontario will have the advantage of strong local support. With a committed fan base and a roster that blends experience with strategic excellence, Ontario always presents a formidable challenge.
Key strengths:
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Strong sweeping units
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Experienced leadership
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Strategic shot making
Team Manitoba – A Contender from the Heartland
Team Manitoba has long been known for producing exceptional curling teams, and the 2026 lineup continues that tradition. Known for balanced play and precision execution, Manitoba’s team is expected to stay competitive throughout the round robin and into the playoff rounds.
Highlights:
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Consistent scoring ability
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Skilled skip leadership
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Strategic depth
Team Alberta and Team Saskatchewan – Western Powerhouses
The western provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are always among the top contenders. Both teams traditionally bring fast-paced, aggressive play styles and deep strategic understanding to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Team Alberta
Typically known for:
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Skilled shot execution
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Strong offensive tactics
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Tight game control
Team Saskatchewan
Often recognized for:
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Bold takeouts and hits
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Focused team cohesion
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Strong team communication
Team British Columbia and Team Quebec – Pacific and Eastern Strength
British Columbia and Quebec both feature solid lineups that blend experience and emerging talent. Depending on matchups and ice conditions, these teams have the potential to influence playoff standings and challenge top seeds.
Team British Columbia
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Smooth shot rhythm
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Defensive resilience
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Adaptable strategy
Team Quebec
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Energetic gameplay
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Smart tactical choices
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Young talent impact
Atlantic Provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador
The Atlantic provinces bring a strong mix of seasoned performers and rising stars to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026. Known for passion and tenacity, these teams often rise to the occasion on big stages.
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Team Nova Scotia: Balanced front end and stable skip leadership
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Team New Brunswick: Strong competitive drive on every end
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Team Prince Edward Island: Gritty play style with opportunistic scoring
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Team Newfoundland & Labrador: Bold shot-making and spirited play
Northern Teams – Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut
Representatives from the northern regions play an important role in the Scotties. While often underdogs, teams from the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut display heart, skill, and the unique curling spirit of their communities.
These teams emphasize:
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Adaptability to competition
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Strategic risk-management
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Strong team unity
Players to Watch at Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026
Several individual athletes and skip strategists are expected to turn heads:
Veteran Skips
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Seasoned precision and leadership
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Experience in championship matches
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Calm under pressure
Rising Stars
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Fresh talent making their Scotties debut
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Young athletes with modern strategy
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Potential breakout performances
Whether it’s a perfectly drawn stone to the button or a diverting takeout in a tightly contested end, these players create memorable moments and define championship intensity.
Team Dynamics and What Makes 2026 Special
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026 stands out for several reasons:
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A deep and competitive field with few clear favorites
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Strong provincial rivalries
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A mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent
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Supportive home crowd for Team Ontario in Mississauga
Curling experts suggest that the 2026 championship will be one of the most unpredictable in recent years — not because of a lack of talent, but because so many teams appear capable of deep runs into playoffs.
The teams at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026 represent some of the finest women’s curling talent in Canada. From defending champions to breakout contenders, each team brings its own story, strategy, and passion to the ice. As the round robin unfolds and results begin to shape the playoff picture, fans can expect thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re following the live schedule or tracking results online, the team matchups at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2026 make this championship one of the most exciting events in Canadian curling.
