Einarson parts ways with Sweeting, others, after loss in world championship final By: The Canadian Press Posted: Last Modified:

Kerri Einarson is shaking up her team days after it lost to Switzerland in the final of the world women's curling championship in Calgary.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/03/2026 (199 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kerri Einarson is shaking up her team days after it lost to Switzerland in the final of the world women’s curling championship in Calgary.

The team based in Gimli, Man., announced Thursday it is parting ways with longtime third Val Sweeting, as well as coach Reid Carruthers and alternate Krysten Karwacki.

Second Shannon Birchard and lead Karlee Burgess remain with the team.

Canada skip Kerri Einarson, left to right, third Val Sweeting, second Shannon Birchard and lead Karlee Burgess hold their silver medals after losing the gold medal game to Switzerland at the World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary, Sunday, March 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Canada skip Kerri Einarson, left to right, third Val Sweeting, second Shannon Birchard and lead Karlee Burgess hold their silver medals after losing the gold medal game to Switzerland at the World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary, Sunday, March 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

In a statement, the team said it made the moves after “much consideration.”

“Kerri Shannon and Karlee wish Val, Krysten and Reid the very best in all their future endeavours,” the team said.

“We all have immense respect and care for one another and will cherish the memories we had as teammates and, more importantly, friends.”

Sweeting joined Einarson’s team at its formation ahead of the 2018-19 season and helped it win five Canadian titles, including at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, Ont.

“(Sweeting’s) pursuit of excellence has always been evident in her attention to detail, relentless work ethic and her passion for the game,” the team said.

“She has been an integral part of the team’s success throughout her tenure.”

Lawes calling it quits

Winnipeg-based Team Lawes also disbanded on Thursday.

Skip and two-time Olympic gold medallist Kaitlyn Lawes and lead Kristin Gordon announced they would be taking a hiatus from competitive curling next season. Third Selena Njegovan and second Jocelyn Peterman will look to join new teams.

Sweeting skipped her own Alberta-based team before joining Einarson and led it to Scotties appearances in 2010, 2014 and 2015.

“I’m not sure exactly what the future holds yet, but I look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes me,” she said.

Carruthers, who retired as a player earlier this year, had coached Einarson’s team since 2022. The team won three of their national titles over that span.

Karwacki joined Einarson in 2021 and filled in as the team’s lead after Briane Harris was handed a doping suspension in January 2024. Harris was later cleared but did not rejoin the team.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had over the years,” Karwacki said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my competitive curling career next season in whatever form that takes.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2026.

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