selena sturmay

Selena Sturmay's Unforgettable Moment at the Scotties: A Seven-Point Masterstroke

By CA News Staff

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts is always a crucible of pressure, where split-second decisions and nerve-wracking shots determine the fate of Canada’s top women’s curling teams. For Alberta skip Selena Sturmay, the 2026 tournament in Mississauga became the stage for a historic performance that etched her name into the event’s record books.

In a stunning display of skill and composure, Sturmay turned a potential upset into a blowout victory by scoring a remarkable seven points in the 10th end. This single end not only secured a crucial win against New Brunswick’s Melodie Forsythe but also tied a long-standing Scotties record for the most points scored in a single end.

The Shot That Changed the Game

The drama unfolded on Thursday morning in Draw 16. Alberta and New Brunswick were locked in a tight battle, with the score sitting at 5-6 in favor of New Brunswick heading into the final end. A loss here would have severely complicated Sturmay’s path to the playoffs. What happened next was nothing short of curling magic.

With her final stone, Sturmay executed a perfect run-back, removing a New Brunswick stone from play and setting off a chain reaction. The result was a 12-6 victory for Alberta, a scoreline that was improbable just moments before.

As reported by CBC Sports, this performance was a key moment in the tournament's progression, helping to solidify the playoff brackets. The sheer audacity of the strategy and the precision of the execution showcased why Sturmay is considered one of the top skips in the country. It was a moment that reminded everyone of the high stakes and dramatic potential inherent in the sport.

The Road to the Playoffs

That historic victory over New Brunswick was more than just a highlight reel moment; it was a pivotal step on the path to the Scotties playoff round. The win kept Alberta in strong contention, setting the stage for the crucial "moving day" where the final playoff spots are determined.

According to reports from Curling Canada, the competition at the Scotties was fierce, with teams like Canada’s Kerri Einarson and Manitoba’s Beth Peterson also securing their spots. Sturmay’s team, alongside Christina Black of Nova Scotia, navigated the challenging round-robin format to earn their place in the Page playoffs. This stage of the tournament is where the field narrows, and every shot is magnified.

The significance of reaching the playoffs cannot be overstated. It represents the culmination of years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and the ability to perform under immense national scrutiny. For Sturmay, advancing to the Page playoffs validated her team’s strategy and resilience throughout the week.

A Rivalry Rooted in Alberta History

To fully appreciate Selena Sturmay’s journey, it’s essential to understand the context of her rivalries and background. The supplementary research highlights a compelling narrative of an "Alberta battle" between Sturmay and Kayla Skrlik, a rivalry that dates back to their junior curling days. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a long-running story of two athletes who have pushed each other to new heights from local clubs to the national stage.

This deep-seated history adds another layer of intrigue to Sturmay’s performance. She is not just competing for a title; she is competing against peers she has known for a decade, each familiar with the other's style, strengths, and weaknesses. This familiarity breeds intense competition, making Sturmay’s record-tying seven-point end even more impressive.

Her journey, as noted in sources like Wikipedia, has been one of steady ascent. From her roots in Edmonton to skipping her own team at the Saville Community Sports Centre, Sturmay has built a reputation for strategic thinking and clutch performance. The 2026 Scotties was a testament to that development, a moment where her experience and talent converged under the brightest lights.

The Immediate Impact of a Historic End

The immediate effect of Sturmay’s performance was twofold. First, it secured a vital win that kept Alberta’s playoff hopes alive and well. In a tournament as competitive as the Scotties, where every win and loss can determine seeding and momentum, a comeback of this magnitude is a massive psychological boost.

Second, it sent a message to the rest of the field. Tying a record set by legends of the sport demonstrates that Sturmay and her team are capable of game-changing plays at any moment. This kind of performance can intimidate opponents and energize a team, creating a powerful momentum shift that carries forward into subsequent games. As Sportsnet reported in their coverage of the tournament, the emotional weight of the event is immense, and moments like these define a team’s legacy.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Selena Sturmay

Based on the evidence from the 2026 Scotties, the future looks bright for Selena Sturmay. Her ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated by the seven-point end, is a hallmark of champions. The strategic implications of this tournament are significant.

Moving forward, Sturmay’s team will likely be seen as a formidable contender in future national and international competitions. The experience gained in Mississauga—navigating the round-robin, securing a playoff spot, and executing under pressure—will serve as invaluable fuel for their continued growth.

The challenges ahead will be just as demanding. The Canadian curling landscape is incredibly deep, with teams like Einarson and Lawes consistently performing at a high level. To continue her success, Sturmay will need to maintain her focus, refine her strategies, and continue to build on the chemistry and resilience her team has shown.

However, if the 2026 Scotties is any indication, Selena Sturmay has the talent, the nerve, and the strategic mind to be a mainstay at the top of Canadian curling for years to come. Her name is now permanently linked to one of the most exciting moments in the history of the Tournament of Hearts, a feat that will be remembered by curling fans across the country.