What Is 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts

Overview

The 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts was the premier Canadian women's curling championship, determining the national team for international competition. Held annually, the event brings together provincial and territorial champions to compete for the title of Canadian women's curling champion.

This edition marked the 22nd year of title sponsorship by Scotties, known for its long-standing support of women's curling. The tournament format combined round-robin play with playoff brackets, culminating in a final match that drew national television attention.

• Kelley Law skipped Team Canada after winning the previous year’s championship, earning automatic qualification and representing British Columbia.
• The event took place at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, a 5,800-seat arena in Kitchener, Ontario, from February 15 to 23, 2003.
• 12 teams participated, representing each province and territory, plus Team Canada as defending champions.
• The final match saw Kelley Law defeat Sherry Middaugh of Ontario by a score of 7–6 in an extra end, marking a dramatic conclusion.
• Law’s team included Julie Skinner, Georgina Wheatcroft, and Diane Nelson, with coaching support from Gerry Skinner.

How It Works

The Tournament of Hearts follows a structured format designed to identify the strongest women's curling team in Canada through competitive play and national representation.

• Round-robin play: All 12 teams compete in a single round-robin format. Each team plays 11 games, and the top four teams advance to the playoffs based on win-loss records.
• Playoff structure: The first- and second-place teams from the round-robin receive direct entry to the semifinals, while third and fourth face off in a qualification game.
• Team Canada: The defending champion skips Team Canada regardless of province, a tradition allowing past winners to defend their title on a national stage.
• Host province: Ontario automatically qualified as host, increasing representation and local fan engagement during the event.
• Scoring system: Games are played over 10 ends, with the team scoring the most points declared the winner; ties go to extra ends.
• Shot clocks: A 30-second shot clock was enforced per team per end to maintain game pace and strategic decision-making under time pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top-performing teams at the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts:

The standings reflect a highly competitive field, with only minor differences in win totals separating top teams. Kelley Law’s consistency in close games and strong end management contributed significantly to her team’s victory, especially in tight matchups against Ontario and Manitoba.

Why It Matters

The 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts was a pivotal moment in Canadian curling history, highlighting elite skill and national pride in women's sports. Its influence extended beyond the ice, shaping future team selections and public interest in curling.

• Kelley Law’s win earned Canada the right to represent the nation at the 2003 World Women’s Curling Championship in April.
• The tournament drew average TV ratings of 1.2 million viewers per match, showcasing curling’s growing popularity on national networks.
• Sherry Middaugh’s strong performance elevated Ontario’s curling profile, inspiring youth participation in the province.
• The event generated an estimated $2.1 million in local economic impact for Kitchener through tourism and hospitality.
• It marked one of the last appearances of Julie Skinner, a legendary figure, before her retirement from competitive play.
• The championship reinforced the Scotties’ 22-year sponsorship commitment, underscoring corporate support for women’s athletics.

Ultimately, the 2003 tournament exemplified the high level of competition and organization that defines Canadian curling, setting standards for future events and cementing its place in winter sports culture.