Brad Jacobs and Team Canada have taken significant strides towards the playoffs at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. On February 16, 2026, they secured an impressive 8-2 victory over Czechia, reaffirming their position in the men’s curling competition.
Game Highlights
In a match that saw Canada shake off the distractions of recent controversies, the team delivered a strong performance. Jacobs, alongside teammates Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, Ben Hebert, and alternate Tyler Tardi, dominated early, scoring in the first three ends and adding three points in the sixth.
- First End: Jacobs set the tone by making a precise draw against three Czechia stones.
- Team Performance: Canada achieved a combined curling efficiency of 85%, with Jacobs at 88% and Kennedy at 89%.
- Substitution: Tardi substituted in during the seventh end, showcasing his skill with two successful draw shots.
Key Player Insights
Tyler Tardi, who stepped in unexpectedly, expressed his excitement about participating in the game. “I didn’t expect to go out, but it was a thrill to step on the ice and contribute to the team,” Tardi remarked. He also reflected on his earlier struggles to support the team effectively but credited a crucial match against China as a turning point.
Czechia’s Struggles
Czechia’s skip, Lukas Klima, faced challenges throughout the match. He missed several easy shots and was often forced into making difficult plays to stave off Canada’s scoring opportunities. Despite finally putting a point on the board in the fifth end, the pressure from Canada proved too much, especially after Canada’s decisive three points in the sixth end.
Standings and Future Matchups
With this victory, Canada improved their record to 5-1, maintaining second place in the standings, just behind Switzerland (5-0). The current standings are as follows:
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 5-0 |
| Canada | 5-1 |
| Norway | 4-2 |
| United States | 4-2 |
| Great Britain | 4-3 |
| Italy | 3-3 |
| Germany | 3-3 |
| Sweden | 1-5 |
| China | 1-5 |
| Czechia | 0-6 |
With four draws remaining, the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals scheduled for Thursday. Team Canada is firmly in contention as they strive for a playoff berth at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
