What Is 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts was the Canadian women's national curling championship held from February 20 to 28, 1999, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sandra Schmirler's team from Saskatchewan won the title, securing their third national championship.

Key Facts

The 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts took place from February 20 to 28, 1999
It was hosted in Regina, Saskatchewan, at the Agridome
Sandra Schmirler skipped the winning team from Saskatchewan
Schmirler's team won their third national title at this event
The tournament featured 12 provincial and territorial women's teams

Overview

The 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts was the premier Canadian women's curling championship of that year, determining the national champion and Canada's representative at the World Women's Curling Championship. Held annually, the event brings together top provincial and territorial teams to compete for national honors and the iconic Scotties trophy.

This edition was particularly notable for being the last national title won by Sandra Schmirler, one of curling’s most legendary figures. Her victory in Regina added to her legacy, cementing her status as a dominant force in women’s curling during the 1990s.

Host city: Regina, Saskatchewan, hosted the event at the Agridome, a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 for curling events.
Dates: The tournament ran from February 20 to February 28, 1999, spanning nine days of round-robin and playoff competition.
Champion: Team Saskatchewan, skipped by Sandra Schmirler, won the championship with an 8–3 record in the round-robin and a playoff victory.
Runner-up: Ontario, led by skip Julie Sutton, finished second after losing 8–5 in the final match.
Teams: Twelve teams participated, representing each Canadian province and territory, including defending champions from Manitoba and strong contenders from Alberta and British Columbia.

How It Works

The Scott Tournament of Hearts follows a structured competition format to determine the national women's curling champion through a combination of round-robin play and knockout rounds. Teams qualify by winning their respective provincial or territorial championships, earning the right to represent their region at the national level.

Format: The tournament uses a round-robin phase where each team plays every other team, followed by the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
Scoring: Each game lasts 10 ends, and the team with the highest score at the end wins; ties are broken by an extra end.
Playoffs: The top four teams from the round-robin advance to the semifinals, with winners meeting in the final for the championship.
Representative: The winning team earns the right to represent Canada at the World Women's Curling Championship later that year.
Host Selection: Hosting rights rotate among provinces; Regina was selected for 1999 due to its strong curling tradition and venue availability.
Sponsorship: The event is sponsored by Scott Paper Limited, which has backed the women’s championship since 1981, giving it the 'Scotties' nickname.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-performing teams at the 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts based on round-robin results and final standings.

Team	Record (W-L)	Final Result	Skipped By	Province
Saskatchewan	9–2	Champions	Sandra Schmirler	SK
Ontario	8–3	Runners-up	Julie Sutton	ON
Manitoba	7–4	Semifinalist	Connie Laliberte	MB
Alberta	7–4	Semifinalist	Cathy King	AB
British Columbia	6–5	Fourth Place	Kelley Law	BC

The round-robin stage revealed tight competition, with Saskatchewan and Ontario emerging as the strongest teams. Saskatchewan’s consistency in close games and superior end management gave them the edge, culminating in their 8–5 victory in the final. The tournament highlighted the growing parity among provinces, with only one game separating first and fourth place.

Why It Matters

The 1999 Scott Tournament of Hearts holds lasting significance in Canadian sports history, both for its competitive outcomes and its emotional resonance. It was one of the final appearances of Sandra Schmirler, who tragically passed away less than a year later, making this title a poignant part of her legacy.

Legacy: Sandra Schmirler’s third title solidified her as one of the greatest female curlers in history, with a career spanning three national championships.
Historical Impact: The win helped elevate women’s curling visibility in Canada, contributing to increased media coverage and sponsorship.
Team Development: Many players from this tournament went on to coach or mentor future champions, spreading Schmirler’s influence.
Canadian Identity: The Scotties remains a cornerstone of winter sports culture, symbolizing regional pride and national unity.
Global Representation: As champions, Saskatchewan represented Canada at the 1999 World Women’s Curling Championship, finishing with a silver medal.
Memorial: The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was later established in her honor, supporting families in need through proceeds from curling events.

The 1999 event remains a touchstone in curling history, remembered not only for athletic excellence but also for its human story of perseverance and legacy.