What Is 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts was the Canadian women's curling championship held from February 3–11, 2018, in Penticton, British Columbia. Team Jennifer Jones won, securing the right to represent Canada at the 2018 World Women's Curling Championship.

Key Facts

Held from February 3–11, 2018, in Penticton, BC, at the South Okanagan Events Centre
18 teams competed, representing each Canadian province and territory
Jennifer Jones (Team Canada) won her 6th Scotties title, tying a record
Final score: Team Jones defeated Team Fleury 8–6 in the championship game
The tournament served as the qualifier for the 2018 World Women's Curling Championship

Overview

The 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts was the premier Canadian women's curling championship, determining the national team for the World Women's Curling Championship. Hosted in Penticton, British Columbia, it marked the first time the event was held in the Okanagan region.

Running from February 3 to 11, the tournament featured 18 teams, including provincial and territorial champions plus Team Canada. The event drew thousands of spectators and significant national television coverage, highlighting the growing popularity of women's curling in Canada.

Location: The South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC, hosted the event, with a seating capacity of over 5,000 for curling.
Dates: The tournament spanned nine days, starting on February 3 and concluding with the final on February 11, 2018.
Participants: Eighteen teams competed, including champions from each province, three territories, and the defending national champion as Team Canada.
Format: A round-robin preliminary stage was followed by playoff rounds, culminating in a championship final.
Winner: Team Jennifer Jones claimed victory with an 8–6 win over Team Fleury, securing Jones’s record-tying sixth Scotties title.

How It Works

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts follows a structured format to determine Canada’s top women’s curling team, combining qualification paths and competitive play. Each component ensures fair representation and high-level competition.

Round-Robin Stage: All 18 teams played in a single round-robin format, with each team facing others once to determine playoff seeding.
Page Playoff System: The top four teams after round-robin play entered a modified Page playoff system to determine the finalists.
Team Canada Berth: The defending champion automatically qualifies as Team Canada, a rule introduced in 2015 to reward consistency.
Provincial Representation: Each province and territory holds its own championship to send one representative team to the national tournament.
World Qualification: The winning team earns the right to represent Canada at the World Women’s Curling Championship later that year.
Scoring System: Games are played over 10 ends, with the team scoring the most points declared the winner; ties are broken by extra ends.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2018 Scotties compares to recent editions in key metrics:

Year	Host City	Teams	Champion	World Championship Result
2018	Penticton, BC	18	Jennifer Jones (Team Canada)	Canada finished 4th
2017	St. Catharines, ON	16	Chelsea Carey (Alberta)	Canada won bronze
2016	Swift Current, SK	16	Valerie Sweeting (Alberta)	Canada finished 6th
2015	Sherwood Park, AB	16	Pat Simmons (Team Canada)	Men’s event (not applicable)
2014	Montreal, QC	16	Shannon Kleibrink (Alberta)	Canada finished 5th

The 2018 tournament expanded to 18 teams, adding more representation from northern regions. This was the first year with full territorial inclusion under the new format. The increase allowed Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to compete alongside provinces, enhancing national inclusivity. Despite the larger field, the competitive balance remained strong, with top teams advancing predictably. The championship final drew one of the highest viewership ratings in recent years, reflecting growing public interest. The event also showcased advancements in curling technology and athlete training standards.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts had significant implications for Canadian curling, both competitively and culturally. It reinforced the sport's national appeal and provided a platform for female athletes on a major stage.

Historic Achievement: Jennifer Jones tied the record for most Scotties titles with her sixth win, joining the ranks of legendary curlers.
Increased Visibility: The tournament received widespread media coverage, boosting public awareness of women’s sports in Canada.
Pathway to Worlds: The winner represented Canada internationally, maintaining the country’s strong presence in global curling.
Grassroots Impact: Success stories from the event inspired youth participation in curling programs across provinces.
Economic Boost: Hosting in Penticton generated over $2 million in local economic impact from tourism and events.
Gender Equity: The tournament highlighted progress in gender equality in sports, with equal prize money and broadcast time as men’s events.

The 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts not only crowned a national champion but also advanced the profile of women’s curling in Canada. Its legacy continues to influence athlete development and national policy in winter sports.