Canada’s top curling teams secured their spots at the Milan-Cortina Olympics after excelling in a modified playdowns format. Curling Canada’s objective of sending the strongest representatives to the Games was achieved as Rachel Homan’s Ottawa team claimed the women’s title and Brad Jacobs’ Calgary rink clinched the men’s crown at the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials.
Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen emphasized the hard work and dedication displayed by both teams, resulting in convincing 2-0 victories in the new best-of-three final setup.
In the women’s finals, Homan, alongside Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, narrowly defeated Christina Black in Game 1 before dominating with a 12-3 win in Game 2. Jacobs and his team, including Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert, secured close wins over Matt Dunstone’s Winnipeg side in both games to claim the men’s title.
The previous Trials finals format was known for its tension due to the uncertainty of single-game eliminations, especially when ice conditions were inconsistent. Black’s unexpected performance saw her upsetting higher-ranked opponents en route to the playoffs, showcasing the unpredictability of the competition.
Homan’s Olympic Aspirations
As the top-ranked team globally, Homan’s squad boasts significant experience, with Homan herself being a five-time national champion and three-time world champion. This will mark her third consecutive appearance at the Winter Games, aiming for a breakthrough after narrowly missing the podium in previous Olympics.
While Fleury and Wilkes will make their Olympic debuts, Jacobs, Kennedy, and Hebert bring a wealth of Olympic success to the table. Jacobs previously won gold in 2014, Kennedy and Hebert claimed gold in 2010, and Gallant secured bronze in 2022.
This Olympic cycle marks the first time Curling Canada allows athletes to compete in both team and mixed doubles events at the Games, showcasing the versatility and talent of Canadian curlers.
Competition at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is set to commence on February 4, with Team Homan and Team Jacobs poised to represent Canada on the international stage.