Kaitlyn Lawes claims final spot in 18-team Scotties field

Kaitlyn Lawes's Winnipeg team secured the last pre-qualification spot for the 18-team Scotties field as the highest-ranked team not qualified through playdowns, and Jocelyn Peterman will be replaced on the roster as she prepares for the Olympics.

Kaitlyn Lawes's Winnipeg-based rink has claimed the final pre-qualification place in the 18-team field for the upcoming Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Curling Canada named Lawes, Selena Njegovan, Jocelyn Peterman and Kristin Gordon as the highest-ranked team that had not qualified via provincial or territorial playdowns. The berth became available after the pre-qualified team skipped by Kerri Einarson replaced Rachel Homan as the Canadian entry; Homan will not defend her Scotties title while preparing for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Lawes is fourth in the latest Canadian rankings and edged the next team by less than a quarter-point for the spot. Key facts: - Lawes's team received the last pre-qualification spot as the highest-ranked non-qualified team, according to Curling Canada. - The pre-qualification berth opened when Kerri Einarson replaced Rachel Homan as the Canadian entry; Homan will be preparing for the Olympics. - Lawes is No. 4 in the Canadian rankings with 151.450 points, narrowly ahead of Serena Gray-Withers at 151.225. - Jocelyn Peterman will not play at the Scotties as she prepares for the Winter Games in mixed doubles; Laura Walker will replace her at second and Erin Pincott will serve as alternate. - The Scotties Tournament of Hearts runs Jan. 23–Feb. 1 at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ont., and the winning team will represent Canada at the world women's championship in Calgary March 14–22. Summary: Lawes's entry completes the 18-team Scotties field and reflects a close ranking decision for the final pre-qualification spot. The event takes place in Mississauga later this month, and the tournament winner will go on to represent Canada at the world championship in March.