What Is 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts was the Canadian women's national curling championship held from February 22 to March 2, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta. Sandra Schmirler of Saskatchewan won her third title, defeating Ontario's Alison Goring in the final.

Key Facts

The 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts took place from February 22 to March 2, 1997
It was hosted at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta
Sandra Schmirler's team from Saskatchewan won the championship
Schmirler secured her third national title with a 8–5 victory over Ontario in the final
The event featured 12 provincial and territorial women's teams competing for Olympic berths

Overview

The 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts was the premier Canadian women's curling championship of the year, serving as the qualifying event for international representation. Held annually, the tournament determines the nation's top women's curling team and awards the winner the right to represent Canada at the World Women's Curling Championship.

This edition was especially significant due to its proximity to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, making it a critical selection event for Team Canada. The competition featured 12 teams from across Canada, each having won their respective provincial or territorial championships.

Saskatchewan, skipped by Sandra Schmirler, entered as defending champions and strong favorites after their 1996 win.
The tournament was held at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, a major venue with a seating capacity of over 19,000.
Competition ran for nine days, from February 22 to March 2, 1997, featuring round-robin play followed by playoffs.
Twelve teams participated, representing provinces and territories including Yukon, Northwest Territories, and all ten provinces.
The winning team earned the right to represent Canada at the 1997 World Women’s Curling Championship in Bern, Switzerland.

How It Works

The Scott Tournament of Hearts follows a structured format combining round-robin standings with knockout playoffs to determine the national champion. Teams compete in a round-robin phase where each plays every other team, and the top four advance to the playoffs.

Round-Robin Format: Each of the 12 teams plays 11 games; the top four teams based on win-loss records advance to the playoffs.
Page Playoff System: The 1 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 4 matchups determine semifinalists, with the 1 vs. 2 winner going straight to the final.
Team Composition: Each team consists of four players: skip, third, second, and lead, with one alternate allowed.
Duration of Games: Matches last approximately 2.5 hours, with 10 ends played unless a team concedes early.
Scoring Rules: Points are awarded per end based on proximity of stones to the button, with a maximum of 8 points typically scored in one end.
Championship Implications: The winner represents Canada at the World Championships and gains automatic entry to the next year’s Tournament of Hearts.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts based on round-robin performance and final outcomes:

Team (Skip)	Province	Round-Robin Wins	Final Result	Notable Achievement
Sandra Schmirler	Saskatchewan	9–2	Champions	Won third national title; later won Olympic gold in 1998
Alison Goring	Ontario	8–3	Runners-up	Lost 8–5 in final; strong defensive play
Janet Harvey	Manitoba	7–4	Semifinalist	Defeated by Ontario in Page playoff 3 vs. 4 game
Sharon Warren	New Brunswick	6–5	Fourth Place	First time NB reached playoffs since 1988
Julie Sutton	British Columbia	5–6	Did not advance	Missed playoffs by one win

The table illustrates how Saskatchewan dominated the round-robin stage with a 9–2 record, showcasing consistency and strategic excellence. Ontario and Manitoba followed closely, but Schmirler’s team outperformed in critical moments, especially during the final. New Brunswick’s strong showing marked a resurgence in Atlantic Canadian curling, while British Columbia narrowly missed the playoff cut. These results helped shape team selections for the upcoming Olympic trials.

Why It Matters

The 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts had lasting implications for Canadian curling, both in terms of national pride and Olympic preparation. It served as a proving ground for elite female athletes in a sport deeply embedded in Canadian culture.

Sandra Schmirler solidified her legacy, later leading Canada to gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
The tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness of teams from smaller provinces like New Brunswick and Northwest Territories.
Television coverage on TSN increased national visibility and boosted curling’s popularity.
It marked the last Tournament of Hearts before the introduction of the Olympic Trials format in 1999.
The event contributed to the professionalization of women’s curling, with increased sponsorship and prize money.
It emphasized the importance of mental toughness and strategic depth in high-stakes national competitions.

Ultimately, the 1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts was more than a national championship—it was a pivotal moment in Canadian winter sports history, setting the stage for Olympic success and elevating the profile of women’s curling across the country.