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Various events are currently unfolding in the sports world. Here are some highlights to keep an eye on:
Curling: Start of Canadian Olympic trials
The Canadian Olympic trials in curling are set to begin in Halifax, where eight top men’s and women’s teams will compete to secure a spot in the winter Olympics in Italy this February. The round-robin matches kick off this Saturday, leading up to the best-of-three finals next week.
Rachel Homan is heavily favored in the women’s trials, having achieved an impressive winning streak at the Canadian championships and claiming consecutive world titles. Her team’s dominance includes victories in all three Grand Slam events this season without losing to a Canadian opponent in over a year.
On the men’s side, the competition is expected to be intense. Defending national champion Brad Jacobs, along with Matt Dunstone, who Jacobs defeated in the Brier final last season, are seen as strong contenders. Dunstone’s rink, featuring two of Jacobs’ former teammates, has excelled on the Grand Slam circuit, winning a title and reaching two finals.
If you missed the previous newsletter, you can access the analytics-informed preview of the trials here.
Hockey: PWHL Season Opener
The Professional Women’s Hockey League kicks off its third season with an exciting doubleheader. The Toronto Sceptres will face the back-to-back Water Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, while the Vancouver Goldeneyes will host the Seattle Torrent, the two new expansion teams, at a sold-out Pacific Coliseum.
In upcoming matches, the Ottawa Charge, runners-up in the Walter Cup, will play against the New York Sirens led by Rookie of the Year Sarah Fillier. Reigning league MVP Marie-Philip Poulin and the Montreal Victoire will take on the Boston Fleet. Poulin and Fillier will aim to guide Canada to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the upcoming Games.
The league’s decision to allow the original six teams to protect only three players has paved the way for the expansion teams to be competitive from the start. Notable player acquisitions include Hilary Knight to Seattle and Sarah Nurse to Vancouver, along with other key signings.
For insights on the Goldeneyes’ formation, check out this piece by Karissa Donkin here. Additionally, here are five things to watch in the PWHL this season here.
In the NHL, the competition for spots on the Canadian men’s Olympic team is intensifying, with the country boasting the top five scorers in the league. Notable players like Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Cale Makar are leading the way, while emerging talents like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are also making a strong case for selection.
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