Provincial champion skip Ackerman returning to curling after two-year break

Curling has been a constant in Skylar Ackerman’s life since she was young, competing at bonspiels and events all across western Canada.

After that slowed to a crawl two years ago amid her biggest achievement yet in the sport, she’s now ready to make her return to the ice.

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Ackerman has announced her path back to competitive curling with the creation of a new team after taking a two-year absence from the sport while she pursued her nursing degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

“It’s been hard to be away from sport,” Ackerman said. “That’s kind of all I’ve done my whole life is curling, so it’s definitely been a little bit tricky and kind of sad to be away from the competitive aspect of things.”

Ackerman became the province’s youngest skip ever to compete at a Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2024 at 22 years old, winning her first provincial title over the Nancy Martin rink in Tisdale. Eventually, Team Ackerman would finish just shy of the playoff round with a 4-4 record.

Shortly after the Chamberlain product announced she was stepping away from curling and the team consisting of Ashley Thevenot, Taylor Stremick and Kaylin Skinner.

Now, she’s formed a new Team Ackerman with veteran provincial curlers Robyn Silvernagle, Rachel Big Eagle and Mary Little.

“This team came together pretty quickly for us actually,” Ackerman said.

“I’ve been wanting to get back on the ice here since I took a little bit of a break for quite a while now, just itching to get back at it.”

The addition of Silvernagle and Big Eagle come amid a week of change in the Saskatchewan curling landscape, with recent Team Saskatchewan skip Jolene Campbell announcing her retirement from the sport.

That opened the door for Ackerman to land two faces to the team who also have Scotties experience.

“When this opportunity came up to play with these ladies, I think it was no hesitation for me,” Ackerman said.

“I think we’ve got a really good group here. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun on and off the ice, and hopefully have some success as well.”

The two years away from the sport not only allowed Ackerman to focus on her studies, but has given her some added perspective on reaching the Scotties at such a young age.

“I’m just a lot more grateful to have gone,” Ackerman said.

“That’s something that I’ve always dreamed about since I was a little kid was to go to the Scotties. Once we did, it was nothing short of amazing. Now taking a break, there’s nothing I want to do but get back to the Scotties.”

The new Team Ackerman will begin play as a rink for the 2026-27 curling season.

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