Table of Contents
The Montana Canadian Curling Trials began in Halifax, marking the start of a fierce competition for Olympic spots. Eight men’s and eight women’s teams are competing for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. The opening draws featured strong performances from Rachel Homan and Kerri Einarson, as both athletes dominated their respective matches.
Homan’s commanding performance
Rachel Homan, a two-time reigning champion, faced Kate Cameron from St. Adolphe, Manitoba. Homan’s team quickly gained momentum, securing three points in the third end and stealing four points in the fourth. The match concluded with a decisive victory for Homan, finishing 16-5.
Homan expressed satisfaction with her team’s adaptation to the ice conditions. “We felt like we were learning the ice really well in practice and we came out strong,” she noted. Homan’s team, including vice-skip Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, lead Sarah Wilkes, alternate Rachelle Brown, and coach Heather Nedohin, executed their shots with precision, taking advantage of their opponents’ errors.
Einarson’s strategic win
Kerri Einarson opened her campaign against local favorite Christina Black. Einarson’s team claimed two points in the first end, followed by a four-point steal in the second. Einarson secured a 12-5 victory, effectively silencing the crowd’s support for Black.
Einarson, a four-time Canadian champion, shared her thoughts on the match, stating, “You get them on their first game so they don’t get on a winning streak and the crowd behind them.” Her strategy to apply pressure early paid off, allowing her team to start the trials on a positive note.
Other notable matches
The day’s draws featured more than just the women’s competition. Winnipeg’s Kaitlyn Lawes defeated Corryn Brown from Kamloops, British Columbia, 7-4, while Selena Sturmay from Edmonton triumphed 8-2 over Calgary’s Kayla Skrlik. Each team is eager to secure their spot in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Men’s counterparts in action
The men’s competition also kicked off with exciting matches. Mike McEwen from Saskatoon narrowly defeated Winnipeg’s Jordon McDonald with a score of 6-5. McEwen showcased his skill by executing a game-winning draw in the 10th end.
After the match, McEwen acknowledged missed scoring opportunities, stating, “I left a lot of points on the board, personally.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of intense competition. “You’ve got to find a way to enjoy it because it is more intense,” he added, recognizing the elevated stakes for players and fans alike.
Strong starts from leading teams
Other standout performances included Brad Gushue, who won 11-5 against Rylan Kleiter from Saskatoon, and Matt Dunstone, who triumphed 6-3 over John Epping from Sudbury, Ontario. Calgary’s Kevin Koe also secured a narrow 6-5 victory against the defending Canadian men’s champions, Brad Jacobs, highlighting the competitive spirit of the trials.
With the first day of matches completed, anticipation builds as teams strive for a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Canadian Curling Trials are set to showcase exceptional skill, strategy, and determination as teams pursue Olympic glory.