Brunton Returns Home to Skip New Northern Ontario Rink

Kira Brunton is heading back to her roots, launching a new Sudbury-based team for the 2026-27 season that brings together a talented mix of experience and youth. The 27-year-old skip -- who spent the past Olympic quadrennial throwing third rocks for Ontario's Danielle Inglis and made four Scotties Tournament of Hearts appearances -- is joined by third Kendra Lilly, second Jamie Smith, and lead Lauren Rajala. Lilly is a particularly notable addition, having made nine Scotties appearances with Team Krista Scharf and earning two silvers and a bronze on the national stage. With Brunton now calling the shots and one of Northern Ontario's most decorated players behind her, this new rink figures to be a force to watch in the region.