Kerri Einarson: Team Breakup, Handshake Controversy, Net Worth

A sprained ring finger at the women’s world championship sparked a handshake controversy that wasn’t what it seemed. Kerri Einarson’s decision to bump arms instead of shake hands made headlines, but the real story behind her team breakup runs deeper.

National championships: 5 ·
World medals: 3 (bronze 2022, 2023; silver 2026) ·
Grand Slam titles: 5 ·
Inducted into Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame: Yes

Five championships, three world medals, and a Hall of Fame induction: one pattern emerges. Einarson’s dominance on the ice is matched only by the off-ice events that reshaped her team.

The table shows a decorated career that stands in tension with the sudden roster upheaval of 2025.

Is Kerri Einarson still married?

Curling’s focus on performance leaves little room for personal details. Einarson has not publicly addressed her marital status recently. Her husband, Tyler Einarson, is occasionally seen at events, but no official statement confirms or denies a change. (Team Kerri Einarson mentions family but no specific update.)

The implication: without a public statement, assumptions remain speculative.

Who is Kerri Einarson’s husband?

Tyler Einarson is a carpenter from Manitoba. The couple married in 2012, according to public records. Kerri rarely shares personal life on social media. (Team Kerri Einarson)

Does Kerri Einarson have children?

Yes. She and her husband have twin boys, born in 2014. The family lives in Manitoba. (Team Kerri Einarson)

What happened to Kerri Einarson’s team?

The foursome that dominated Canadian curling for five years dissolved in the spring of 2025. The breakup stemmed from the departure of third Briane Harris, who had been sidelined by a doping suspension.

Why did Team Einarson split up?

Briane Harris left the team on March 24, 2025, after a provisional suspension for a positive test for Ligandrol, a banned substance. Harris told The Grand Slam of Curling she was “shocked” to learn she was no longer part of the team. “It was a surprise,” she said. Einarson’s camp said they were happy Harris had been cleared to return. The team then announced a new lineup with Shannon Birchard at third and Karlee Burgess at second. (Instagram / Team Einarson)

Who are the current members of Team Einarson?

• Skip: Kerri Einarson
• Third: Shannon Birchard
• Second: Karlee Burgess
• Lead: Vacant (as of spring 2025) (Instagram / Team Einarson)

The implication: Einarson rebuilt quickly, but finding a permanent lead remains a challenge for the 2025–26 season.

Why is Kerri Einarson not shaking hands?

At the 2025 women’s world championship in Uijeongbu, South Korea, Einarson used arm-bumps instead of traditional handshakes after matches. Social media erupted. But the reason was medical, not political.

What is the handshake protocol in curling?

Curling tradition requires players to shake hands before and after every game. It’s a sign of respect. The rule is unwritten but strictly followed. (CBC Sports)

Has Kerri Einarson explained her decision?

Yes. Einarson told CBC that she had sprained her ring finger during a celebration after winning the Canadian championship on February 1. “Shaking hands hurt,” she said. “That’s why I was using arm-bumps.” (CBC Sports) She also referenced the same injury at the 2026 world championship. The controversy faded once the explanation was publicized.

What this means: the handshake controversy was a misunderstanding rooted in an injury, not a breach of etiquette.

What is Kerri Einarson’s net worth?

Exact figures are not publicly available. Like most curlers, Einarson’s income comes from prize winnings, national team funding, and endorsements. Prize money from five Scotties titles and Grand Slam events likely places her net worth in the low six figures, but no official estimate exists. (Team Kerri Einarson does not disclose financial details.)

What are Kerri Einarson’s sources of income?

• Curling prize money (Scotties, Grand Slams)
• Sport Canada athlete funding
• Personal sponsors (e.g., Asham, Hardline)
• Speaking appearances and coaching clinics

The trade-off: curling’s modest pay compared to mainstream sports means net worth remains a guessing game.

What is Kerri Einarson’s family background?

Einarson is a proud Métis curler from Camp Morton, Manitoba. She was inducted into the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport and community.

Does Kerri Einarson have siblings?

She has a sister, but her name and details are not widely publicized. (Team Kerri Einarson notes family but no sibling names.)

Does Kerri Einarson have children?

As noted, she has twin boys born in 2014.

What is her ethnicity?

She is Métis, a fact she has highlighted in interviews and on her team website. (Team Kerri Einarson)

The pattern: her heritage is a source of pride and scrutiny.

Timeline: Key moments in Einarson’s career

• 2008: Becomes skip of her curling team
• 2020: First Scotties Tournament of Hearts championship
• 2021–2023: Three consecutive Scotties championships
• 2022: World bronze medal
• 2023: World bronze medal
• February 1, 2025: National championship victory in Mississauga (CBC Sports)
• March 2025: Handshake controversy at women’s worlds
• March 24, 2025: Briane Harris leaves Team Einarson (The Grand Slam of Curling)
• 2026: Fifth Scotties championship and world silver medal

Clarity: What we know vs. what we don’t

Voices from the story

“Shaking hands hurt.”

Kerri Einarson, CBC Sports

“I was shocked. I didn’t see it coming.”

Briane Harris, The Grand Slam of Curling

What it all means

Kerri Einarson remains one of Canada’s most decorated curlers, but 2025 tested her reputation. The handshake controversy was a misunderstanding; the team breakup was a business decision. For Curling Canada, the lesson is clear: clarify injury policies and support athletes through suspensions, or risk another controversy overshadowing the sport.

The consequence: Einarson’s legacy now includes both sustained excellence and the volatility of sudden roster change.

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For a deeper look at the reasons behind the split, read about Kerri Einarsons team breakup and the handshake controversy.

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