The curling landscape in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation as the country prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics. The Canadian Curling Trials, held in November 2023 in Halifax, decided the teams that will represent Canada in Milan for the Games. Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs emerged triumphant as skips of their respective teams.
Curling’s Next Generation Gets Exposure
While veteran teams secured their Olympic spots, the Trials also provided invaluable experience for younger skips, including Jordon McDonald, Kayla Skrlik, Rylan Kleiter, and Selena Sturmay. For these players, competing against top-tier teams presented an opportunity for growth and development in high-pressure situations.
Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada, highlighted the importance of these experiences, stating that exposure at this level could benefit younger athletes in the long run. “It’s not just about the team that wins; many teams are at various stages of their competitive journey,” he said.
Expect Significant Changes in the Curling Scene
The end of the Olympic cycle typically ushers in substantial changes within the curling community, and this time is no exception. The men’s division, in particular, is likely to face a wave of retirements. High-profile players, including Brad Gushue and E.J. Harnden, have announced this will be their final competitive season.
- Brad Gushue plans to retire, leaving teammates Mark Nichols, Brendan Bottcher, and Geoff Walker without a skip.
- E.J. Harnden has confirmed his retirement, impacting team dynamics for the top-ranked Canadian men’s squad, led by Matt Dunstone.
- Anticipated retirements may disrupt team formations as players engage in early discussions about future lineups.
Harnden expressed a sense of relief about the changes, saying he feels comfortable knowing his final plans. The upcoming Olympics prompt many players to consider their futures seriously, making the competition even more intense.
Introduction of Rock League
In addition to the changes brought on by retirements, the curling world is excited about the launch of Rock League. This new pro circuit, managed by The Curling Group, is set to debut in April 2024 after earlier setbacks. Tyler Tardi, a player with Team Koe, noted that the success of Rock League hinges on the commitment of those involved.
- Initial plans for a six-week season will be condensed to just seven days.
- Previous ambitions to expand into Europe have been shelved for now.
The first season will consist of four events, including Canadian stops in Moose Jaw, Halifax, and Ottawa, along with a U.S. event planned for Utica, N.Y. The playoffs are scheduled for April 2026, with the host city yet to be announced.
Looking Ahead
With the 2030 Winter Games in sight, Canadian curlers are considering how these changes will affect their strategies and team alignments. As they navigate this evolving landscape, both seasoned players and emerging talents prepare for the challenges ahead in curling’s competitive arena.
This transformation, coupled with the arrival of Rock League, marks an exciting time for curling in Canada, promising to reshape the sport for years to come.
