Team Nunavut, skipped by Julia Weagle, secured its first victory in six years at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts by defeating Prince Edward Island 8-5 on Sunday morning. The win came after an opening loss to Nova Scotia and provides a much-needed confidence boost. The tournament continues in Mississauga, Ontario, until February 1.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canada's national women's curling championship, is underway at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Eighteen teams are competing, with the winner earning a spot at the world women's tournament starting March 14 in Calgary.
For Nunavut, represented by the Iqaluit Curling Club, the Sunday morning match against Prince Edward Island marked a breakthrough. Skipped by Julia Weagle, the team—consisting of third Sadie Pinksen, second Leigh Gustafson, and lead Alison Taylor—rebounded from a Saturday loss to Nova Scotia. They triumphed 8-5 over PEI's squad, led by skip Amanda Power.
"It feels amazing," Weagle said. "We put a lot of hard work in so having it pay off today felt really, really good."
This victory ends a six-year drought for Nunavut at the Scotties, with their last win occurring in 2020 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, when Lori Eddy skipped the team to a 7-6 decision over Quebec. Last year in Thunder Bay, Weagle's rink went 0-8 in round-robin play.
Weagle credited improved execution for the success. After struggling with draws in the opener, she noted, "I fixed it. The team played amazing. We figured out the ice early this game and that was definitely a key difference maker in this game for sure."
The momentum was short-lived, however, as Nunavut fell 8-2 to Newfoundland and Labrador, skipped by Mackenzie Mitchell, in an evening draw. Weagle remains optimistic: "We're feeling pretty good right now. Our first goal has been accomplished. So now we're just looking to build and keep the momentum going."
Nunavut's next challenge is Monday afternoon against Alberta, skipped by Kayla Skrlik, at 2 p.m. EST.
