A brave new look revives Ottawa’s Team Homan and Miskew for latest trip to Scotties
As Emma Miskew puts it, change in long-term relationships can be “refreshing and invigorating.”
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Despite all that Miskew has accomplished over the past 23 years as third and runner-up skip alongside his Ottawa-born and raised curling partner Rachel Homan — including three Canadian championships, a 2017 world title, a trip to the 2018 Olympics and a 2010 Canadian Junior Silver Medal – she says there is always room for more growth.
“We’re still together, so we’re pretty lucky to find someone like him,” said Miskew, who will be leaving Ottawa on Tuesday to attend the Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s national championship, which is held in Kamloops on Saturday , BC, begins
Never before, however, have the two experienced such an upheaval as this season.
After leader Joanne Courtney decided to leave Homan’s rink following the 2021-22 season, the resulting changes were colossal.
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Homan, Miskew and second Sarah Wilkes brought established Canadian veteran Tracy Fleury to join the team for the 2022-23 season.
While Homan continued to throw the final stones, Fleury now takes on the role of skip in throwing the third stones. Miskew is up from third to second and Wilkes takes the lead.
So far, so good. The rink had a strong season, including winning the Ontario Championship on January 29.
“Everything is great with Tracy,” said Miskew, who trains at the Ottawa Curling Club.
“When Jo decided to step down we didn’t know what the new team would be like. We didn’t think a player like Tracy would be available. She is so smart and talented. And then we wanted to find the best possible way to succeed. It’s completely different for everyone on the team.”
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According to Miskew, Fleury brought talent and a strong voice to the scene.
“Any type of change comes with its difficulties, but it can be refreshing and invigorating,” she said. “We knew change would be difficult, but we were patient with ourselves.”
From a personal perspective, Miskew says she has challenged herself by learning as much as possible in a new position that often requires a different mindset and skillset.
“There’s more momentum, it’s totally different,” said Miskew, now heading to her 10th National Championship. “It was a bit difficult at first, but I’m getting used to it. It’s exciting to master something new, a different challenge, a different part of the game. I’m really committed as a sweeper, part of the front end.”
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What is said and who says those words at the crucial moments when endings and games are at stake, Miskew insists the team is a collective that always works together.
“Everyone has a voice,” she says. “We have a lot of conversations. If there is disagreement, we will find the best option. There are always multiple options in the strategy of the game and we make sure the person throwing the rock is comfortable (with the call).”
She acknowledges that the improvement hasn’t always been on a steady trajectory.
“In and out of competitions we have debriefings and we knew there was going to be a learning curve. In the beginning there was a bit of experimentation.”
The team will arrive in Kamloops from different directions. Homan, an Ottawa native, now resides in Edmonton for much of the year. Fleury hails from Sudbury and Wilkes beckons from London, Ontario when not in the squad.
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The Homan rink was guaranteed a wildcard spot with the Scotties ahead of the Ontario championship — “that took some of the pressure off,” says Miskew — but the team is confident after an impressive performance all week.
They ultimately clinched the title with a 9-2 win over Woodstock’s Hollie Duncan in a final that was conceded after just eight ends.
The tournament officially begins on Friday, with Homan, Fleury, Miskew and Wilkes getting their first action on Saturday.
Three-time reigning Canadian champion Kerri Einarson is the undisputed favorite ahead of Scotland.
Manitoba’s Jennifer Jones, who has won a record six national titles and is in her 17thth Canadian Championship, is also part of the field. Krista McCarville from Northern Ontario, who won silver in 2016 and 2022, is also part of the field.
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