The Crown Royal Players’ Championship is currently underway in southeastern Manitoba, featuring the world’s top 24 curling teams. This event serves as the final preparation before the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. The competition, known as the Grand Slam of Curling, has brought together the top 12 men’s and women’s teams based on year-to-date rankings at the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach.
Among the participating teams in Steinbach, 13 are set to compete in the Winter Olympics in Italy next month. In a recent match on Wednesday, Scotland’s Ross Whyte led his team to a 6-3 victory over Mike McEwen’s team from Winnipeg. BJ Neufeld, playing as the third for McEwen’s team, acknowledged Scotland’s strong performance, stating that they made it challenging for his team.
Neufeld, with family ties to Steinbach, expressed the significance of playing in the city. He also praised the new Southeast Event Centre, emphasizing its unique features and potential to attract major events like the Grand Slams in the future. The championship has not only showcased top-tier curling but has also provided a boost to Steinbach, drawing new visitors to the city.
One such visitor is Billy Morton from Scotland, who traveled to Manitoba to support his friends and former teammates. Impressed by the facilities in Steinbach, Morton highlighted the superior amenities compared to those in Scotland. Meanwhile, Gimli’s Kerri Einarson led her team to victory against Momoha Tabata’s Japanese team in another match on Wednesday.
The Players’ Championship will continue throughout the weekend, with the finals scheduled for Sunday. The event has garnered attention from both local and international spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere in Steinbach during this prestigious curling competition.