Two dominant curling teams have advanced from a revised playdowns format aimed at sending Canada’s top representatives to the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. Curling Canada successfully achieved its goal as Rachel Homan led her Ottawa team to victory in the women’s event, while Brad Jacobs guided his Calgary rink to triumph in the men’s competition at the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials.
The finals, operating under a new best-of-three format, saw Homan’s team narrowly defeat Christina Black’s squad 5-4 in Game 1 before securing a convincing 12-3 win in Game 2. Meanwhile, Jacobs and his team managed close victories over Matt Dunstone’s Winnipeg side with scores of 9-8 and 6-5 in Games 1 and 2, respectively.
The CEO of Curling Canada, Nolan Thiessen, praised both teams for their dedication and hard work throughout the tournament. The new format of the Trials finals received positive feedback from Thiessen, highlighting its effectiveness in determining the top contenders.
Black emerged as a surprise standout in the competition, clinching a spot in the playoffs after upsetting higher-ranked opponents. Homan’s team, ranked first globally, showcased their wealth of experience in high-pressure situations, with Homan herself being a five-time national champion and three-time world champion.
Adding to the Olympic excitement, this year marks the first time Curling Canada allows athletes to compete in both team and mixed doubles disciplines at the Games. With the competition set to commence on February 4 at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, all eyes are on these formidable Canadian curling teams as they prepare to represent their country on the international stage.