Based in a bubble in Calgary, Alta., this year’s tournament begins April 30 with 14 teams hitting the sheets.
Teams include Canada and skip Kerri Einarson, who were supposed to represent the country last year and will have a second chance after winning the Scotties Tournament of Hearts again in 2021.
The teams that win the semifinals will go for gold and the losers will meet for bronze.
The ban includes Olympic Games and world championships, and Russia’s flag or name cannot be used.