Kerry Galusha says she will retire from competitive curling this year after more than 20 Scotties Tournament of Hearts appearances for the NWT.
Galusha plans to compete at this year’s event before bowing out, her team announced on social media late on Tuesday.
“This sport has given me so much over the years and I’m incredibly grateful for every moment,” Galusha was quoted as saying in a statement.
“It has been an honour to represent the Northwest Territories, to compete alongside amazing teammates, and to be part of this incredible curling community. While this chapter is ending, the friendships, the battles on the ice, and the memories will always stay with me.”
Galusha – the sister of Kevin Koe and Jamie Koe, known for representing Alberta and the NWT respectively in men’s curling – first appeared at Scotties as an alternate in 1998, then made her debut as skip in 2001.
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Highlights of her Scotties appearances have included a nationally televised 2009 victory over defending champion Jennifer Jones and Team Canada. In 2022, Galusha’s rink became the first solely featuring NWT curlers to reach the play-offs.
Over time, Galusha has increasingly used her national platform to discuss reconciliation and promote initiatives that raise awareness and funding for groups like the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
“As we take the ice together for this final Scotties,” her team wrote on Tuesday, “we’ll embrace every moment knowing that no matter what happens, Kerry’s legacy in northern curling is already cemented.”
