Former Team Carey vice Karlee Burgess bets on herself, looks forward to fresh start with Einarson

Karlee Burgess, a three-time world junior champion in curling, has made a bold move by leaving Team Chelsea Carey to join Team Kerri Einarson as an injury replacement for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This decision has caused a stir in the women’s curling community, but Burgess is excited about the fresh start and the opportunity to be her best self on the ice.

The 26-year-old Winnipeg resident, who usually plays as a third, will now take on the role of second on Team Einarson due to Shannon Birchard’s season-ending knee injury. Burgess will make her debut with the team at the upcoming WFG Masters in Guelph, Ontario. The transition from one team to another was not easy, as Burgess had to have difficult conversations with her former teammates before making the switch.

Team Carey, on the other hand, is facing an uncertain future with no clear plans announced yet. The team had been struggling this season after Carey replaced Jennifer Jones as skip, resulting in a drop from second to tenth in the national rankings. Burgess felt that the team’s performance was not up to par, and she needed to prioritize her own career moving forward.

Burgess described the decision to leave Team Carey as emotional and challenging, but ultimately necessary for her own growth as a player. She acknowledged the difficulty of leaving her former teammates behind but knew that it was a risk she was willing to take for the chance to compete at a higher level with Team Einarson.

Team Einarson has faced its own challenges this season, with Birchard’s injury and lead Briane Harris’s provisional suspension due to a doping violation. Despite these obstacles, the team has managed to perform well, winning two titles and maintaining a strong position in the Canadian rankings. Einarson remains focused on supporting her teammates and enjoying the game despite the ups and downs they have faced.

Looking ahead, Team Einarson has the Players’ Championship in Toronto and the opportunity to represent Canada at the women’s world curling championship in South Korea. Burgess is hopeful for a successful run with her new team and is prepared to take on the risks that come with such a significant career move. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off for the talented curler.