Team Sturmay opens 2025 Pre-Trials campaign with 7-3 victory over Team Scharf

It’s a long trip from Alberta to Wolfville, N.S., where the 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Curling Pre-Trials are being hosted this week at Acadia University campus’ Andrew H. McCain Arena, but it’s one that Edmonton’s Team Selena Sturmay (1-0) was happy to make.

After all, the No. 11 CTRS-ranked team of skip Sturmay, vice-skip Danielle Schmiemann, second Deseray Hawes, lead Paige Papley, and coach Ted Appleman, are among the top contenders for the event’s top prize of a berth into the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials, presented by Connect Hearing, set for November 22-30 in Halifax.

Add it all up, and it creates a pressure-packed week of curling while Olympic dreams hang in the balance.

So, while some nerves may have been present during the opening draw for the wild-rose province squadron, it remained cool and collected, knocking out a 7-3 win over Team Krista Scharf (0-1; Thunder Bay, Ont.) Monday afternoon.

“I know nerves are high for everybody,” said Sturmay. “There’s a lot on the line; a lot at stake. I think being able to bring it back to basics and do what we do best will bring a sense of confidence.”

The win over Team Scharf, who is another top contender at the Pre-Trials, could prove to be an essential piece for Team Sturmay’s playoff chances as the week progresses. The team will continue to accrue knowledge, and more importantly, comfort, with the conditions of the ice and rocks on the way to finals weekend.

“I think all of them are big games when it comes to this week,” said Sturmay. “You can’t take any game lightly out there. We just wanted to get a hold of the ice conditions; get a really good feel for that draw weight and what the ice is doing. I think we accomplished that today and accomplished it quite early. Happy with that performance.”

Even after the key win, Sturmay knows that in the heat of battle, no win is ever secured until the rocks fully come to a rest.

“I know we’re definitely a top contender, but all the teams are really good,” said Sturmay. “I feel like, honestly, it comes down to whoever peaks at the right time and makes the most shots. Looking forward to playing the rest of the week here.”

Team Sturmay will be back in action Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m., (all times Atlantic), versus fellow Albertans Team Myla Plett (0-1; Edmonton/Sherwood Park).

In Draw 1 action this morning, Team Jean-Michel Ménard (1-0; Montréal) defeated Team Braden Calvert (0-1; Winnipeg) 7-2. Team Scott Howard (1-0; Navan, Ont.) downed Team Jayden King (0-1; London, Ont.) 9-4 while Jordon McDonald (1-0; Winnipeg) edged Team Mark Kean (0-1; Woodstock, Ont.) 6-5 and Team Sam Mooibroek (1-0; Whitby, Ont.) doubled up Team Owen Purcell (0-1; Halifax) 10-5.

The 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Curling Pre-Trials continues Monday evening at 7 p.m., (all times AT).

Live scoring, standings and statistics for the 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Curling Pre-Trials are available by CLICKING HERE.

Live streaming of the 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Curling Pre-Trial is available on Curling Canada’s YouTube during the round robin by CLICKING HERE. TSN and RDS will provide coverage of the 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Pre-Trials playoffs. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule.

For ticket information for the 2025 Home Hardware Canadian Curling Pre-Trials, go to www.curling.ca/2025pretrials/tickets/.