The Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials are set to be a deciding factor for teams aiming to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. This significant event will kick off on Saturday at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, bringing together top talent from both men’s and women’s divisions to compete over a week of intense curling.
Format of the Trials
Canada’s approach to selecting Olympic curling teams is rigorous. Both men’s and women’s divisions consist of eight teams competing in a round-robin format. At the end of the preliminary rounds, the leading team receives a bye to the final. The second and third place teams face off in a semifinal before the final match. Notably, this year’s final has transitioned to a best-of-three series, a format tweak designed to mitigate the impact of a single bad performance.
Women’s Division Contenders
Team Rachel Homan
Leading the charge in the women’s division is Team Rachel Homan, based in Ottawa. Homan has dominated the Canadian curling scene, winning back-to-back gold medals at the World Women’s Curling Championship. Her team has also swept through the last two Scotties Tournament of Hearts and secured three Grand Slam of Curling titles this fall.
- Homan’s current record against Canadian teams: 80-2 since the start of the 2023-24 season.
- Undefeated streak: 30 games against Canadian teams.
Homan’s strategy focuses on teamwork, citing the importance of resilience in matches. “Win or lose, being in the final is rewarding,” she shared.
Kerri Einarson’s Team
In pursuit of an upset, Kerri Einarson’s squad stands out. They are the only team to have beaten Homan multiple times this season. Despite some struggles in Grand Slam events, Einarson has a track record of four consecutive Scotties titles from 2020 to 2023.
Possible Dark Horse
Halifax’s own Team Christina Black is a potential surprise contender. Having secured a third-place finish at last year’s Scotties, the home-court advantage could amplify their performance.
Men’s Division Overview
Team Matt Dunstone
Team Matt Dunstone emerges as a front-runner, especially after reuniting with E.J. and Ryan Harnden. With a national ranking of No. 2, Dunstone recently clinched the title at the AMJ Masters and holds a 10-3 record this season against other competitors.
Team Brad Jacobs
Defending Brier champion Team Brad Jacobs also holds a strong position. With all members experienced in Olympic play, Jacobs boasts a gold medal from 2014 and is a world No. 3 team. However, recent losses to Dunstone in the Grand Slam events raise questions about their current form.
Brad Gushue’s Legacy
Brad Gushue, one of Canada’s most decorated curlers, has a remarkable history, including an Olympic gold and several national titles. As he approaches retirement, Gushue is determined to leave a lasting impression at the trials.
Other Potential Dark Horses
- John Epping: A seasoned skip with three Grand Slam titles.
- Mike McEwen: Revitalized after knee surgery, aims to prove his comeback.
- Jordon McDonald: A young team looking to disrupt established competitors.
Final Thoughts
The Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials are not just about winning but showcase the journey of talent, resilience, and the quest for Olympic glory. Each team has its storyline, adding to the excitement of the competition as they vie for the privilege of wearing the Maple Leaf in 2026.
