In the March 1995 edition of The Curling News, the spotlight fell on the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, overshadowed by a major curling lawsuit. Although Calgary has a rich history in women’s curling, with only two previous national championships hosted in the city, the 1995 event stood out not just for its competition but also for the unfolding legal drama.
Calgary’s curling scene dates back to the late 1970s with the Autumn Gold women’s cashspiel, and it has celebrated Olympic success through teams led by Shannon Kleibrink and Cheryl Bernard. The city first hosted the Canadian Women’s Championship in 1970 at the Stampede Corral. Dorenda Schoenhals (then Stirton, now Bailey) led her team to victory, and her experiences are shared in the Curling Legends Podcast. This championship was a significant event, yet it took 25 years for Calgary to host again.
The 1995 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, held at the Max Bell Centre, featured a mix of seasoned and emerging talent. Manitoba’s Connie Laliberte, securing her third and final title, was supported by her sister Janet Arnott and second Cathy Gauthier. Karen Purdy, a crucial player for Laliberte’s team, was sidel