In the world of Olympic curling, Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman faced an abrupt exit from the mixed doubles competition during the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The duo, hailing from Chestermere, Alberta, commenced their campaign with high hopes but ultimately concluded with a disappointing 4-5 record.
Early Exit from Olympic Mixed Doubles
The mixed doubles team began the tournament strong, securing three consecutive victories. However, following a five-game losing streak, they were eliminated before reaching the playoffs. Their final round-robin match ended in an 8-4 win against Switzerland, but it was too late to salvage their hopes of advancing.
Struggles on the Ice
Coach Scott Pfeifer noted the team’s challenges in adjusting to changing ice conditions. The surface altered dramatically due to adjustments made by the icemaking crew, resulting in faster and straighter ice. Gallant described the shift in texture, likening the experience to moving from a local golf course to the pristine greens at the U.S. Open.
- Initial Record: 3-0
- Final Record: 4-5
- Key Matches: Losses to Sweden and South Korea sealed their fate
Despite their early success, Canada’s performance deteriorated as they failed to read the altered conditions. This prompted a reflection from Gallant on their struggle to adapt quickly enough. “It was tough to rearrange the angles, and some teams did it better than us,” he commented.
Coach’s Insights
Pfeifer expressed disappointment in the team’s inconsistent performance across the four sheets of ice. He emphasized that the team was well-prepared but struggled to adjust mentally. “We just didn’t buy in as quickly as we needed to,” he remarked.
Impact on Canada’s Olympic Curling History
This exit extends Canada’s Olympic drought in mixed doubles since Kaitlyn Lawes and John Morris won gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Notably, Canada has not secured an Olympic gold in four-player team play since 2014 in Sochi, where both the men’s and women’s teams triumphed.
Looking forward, Gallant will join Brad Jacobs’ Calgary-based team as they aim to generate renewed energy and excitement. “It’s a fresh start to look forward to,” he stated, anticipating a turnaround in fortunes.
Upcoming Medal Matches
The United States will compete against Sweden for the gold medal, while Great Britain faces Italy in the bronze match. The semifinal rounds saw the United States narrowly defeating Italy, reflecting the competitive nature of this Olympic event.
