Kerri Einarson says she’s found her confidence again after a challenging year of lineup changes and team injuries for the Gimli, Man. skip and her rink.
“It’s definitely been challenging, that’s for sure. After last season, we were all pretty down. So we throughout the summer took the time off away from curling,” Einarson said in an interview with CBC Sports.
So when Einarson, third Val Sweeting and replacement players Dawn McEwen and Krysten Karwacki found a way to win the Tour Challenge Slam title with a victory over Rachel Homan this past weekend in Charlottetown, P.E.I., there was a sense of relief and a much-needed boost of confidence.
“It was extremely important for my confidence and everyone else’s to know that even though we’re missing 50 per cent of our team and all the things that we are going through, that we can still persevere and push through all of these hurdles that have been thrown at us,” she said.
Last February, on the eve of the Scotties with the team looking for its fifth straight titles, team lead Briane Harris was informed she had tested positive for trace amounts of the prohibited substance Ligandrol and banned from competition.
Harris has appealed the decision, but has been out of the line up since then. Einarson said the team hasn’t been given any updates at this point.
WATCH | Kerri Einarson still on top of her game despite team changes:
Skip Kerri Einarson was forced to play using alternate Krysten Karwacki, spare Dawn McEwen and spare coach Mike McEwen, but still managed to win the first Grand Slam title of the season. Devin Heroux interviews her about how she manages to stay on top of her game and what success looks like this season ahead of the 2026 Olympics.
“I can’t really touch too much on that subject, but yes, it’s just a waiting game. That’s all I know. I’m really, really hoping that we hear something soon,” Einarson said.
Then just days before the PointsBet Invitational event last month in Calgary, the team announced second Shannon Birchard would be taking time off because of a knee injury. It’s been a lineup juggling act for the team.
“All of a sudden Shannon’s knee started bothering her and I was like, oh no, not again,” Einarson said. “When I thought things couldn’t get worse, they got worse. And so then we were bombed again.”
The lineup was a winning recipe.
“I’ve played with Dawn a few times and played against her a lot and she’s such a great person on and off the ice. A great teammate and that and all around, just a great shooter,” Einarson said.
Einarson said the team is traveling to Saskatoon next week to take part in a training camp. Birchard will be joining the team to see if her knee has recovered enough to play at the next Slam slated for Nisku, Alta. in early November.
“We’re just going to play it by ear and see what happens, see how she feels. I know she still has a couple of weeks before we play but she’s definitely going to keep us posted on anything,” Einarson said.
2nd E.J. Harnden leaving Team Gushue
Team Brad Gushue delivered a stunner on Thursday with word that second E.J. Harnden would be leaving the St. John’s, N.L.-based rink effective immediately.
Harnden, a 2014 Olympic champion, helped the team win back-to-back national men’s curling championships. He joined the team in May 2022 after Brett Gallant’s departure.
Harnden’s exit was confirmed in a team news release that said both sides had agreed to part ways. A reason for the change was not provided.
Gushue declined an interview request but said in a text message that “it was amicable and the best decision for both sides.”
In the news release, the rink said Harnden’s work ethic and passion for the game helped shape the team’s success.
<a href=”https://t.co/1JpgJQqrhz”>pic.twitter.com/1JpgJQqrhz</a>
—@TeamGushue
“It has been an incredible journey with Team Gushue,” Harnden said in a statement. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I wish Brad, Mark and Geoff the very best.”
A decision and an announcement on a new player “will be made in the coming weeks,” the team said. Reached via text, Harnden declined further comment.
The change came a few days after the season-opening Grand Slam in Charlottetown. Gushue reached the final of the HearingLife Tour Challenge but dropped a 10-3 decision to Scotland’s Bruce Mouat in the championship game.
The developments were a surprise considering that in-season roster moves among elite teams are unusual, particularly for a high-profile foursome like Team Gushue.
The rink has already secured a berth in the 2025 Montana’s Brier and the Olympic Trials next season.
