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The 2025 Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax have sparked intense competition as elite teams vie for the opportunity to represent Canada at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Among the notable performers are Rachel Homan, Kerri Einarson, and Kaitlyn Lawes, who each achieved significant victories to elevate their records to 2-0 on Sunday.
Homan and Einarson dominate their matches
Rachel Homan, a veteran competitor from Ottawa and a two-time Canadian and world champion, demonstrated her prowess against Christina Black from Halifax. Homan’s team executed a dominant performance, clinching an 8-2 victory after just eight ends. Homan’s strategic skills and experience were evident as she effectively controlled the game from the outset.
Kerri Einarson, representing Gimli, Manitoba, faced off against Kate Cameron from St. Adolphe in a closely contested match. Einarson secured a narrow 6-5 victory, despite Cameron’s impressive comeback, which included scoring in each of the final four ends. Einarson’s early lead ultimately proved decisive, showcasing her resilience and tactical prowess.
Lawes and Brown also excel
Kaitlyn Lawes, another strong contender from Winnipeg, engaged in a nail-biting match against Edmonton’s Selena Sturmay. The contest unfolded dramatically, culminating in Lawes scoring the winning point in the 11th end, finishing at 8-7. This victory heightened the excitement of the day, as Lawes demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure.
Additionally, Corryn Brown from Kamloops, British Columbia, edged out Calgary’s Kayla Skrlik with a close score of 7-6, further emphasizing the competitive spirit of the tournament.
Men’s competition intensifies
The men’s division delivered exciting performances on Sunday afternoon. Brad Gushue from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Matt Dunstone from Winnipeg both continued their winning streaks, advancing to 2-0. Gushue faced Calgary’s Kevin Koe, securing a 5-3 victory that showcased his strategic gameplay.
Dunstone’s match against fellow Winnipeg resident Jordon McDonald ended with a confident 8-4 win, further solidifying his team’s reputation in the tournament.
Notable victories in the men’s bracket
Other significant matches featured John Epping from Sudbury, Ontario, who defeated Mike McEwen from Saskatoon with a score of 9-5. Additionally, Calgary’s Brad Jacobs, the reigning Canadian men’s champion, demonstrated his skill by scoring two points in the 11th end, clinching a 6-4 victory against Ryan Kleiter from Saskatoon.
The stakes are high at the Canadian Curling Trials, as the winners of both the men’s and women’s competitions will earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina. The talent on display underscores the significance of these matches, as each team strives to secure their Olympic dreams.
Looking ahead
As the trials progress, competition is expected to intensify. Teams are eager to showcase their skills and secure their spots for the Olympics. The excitement surrounding the event highlights the athletes’ dedication and captivates curling fans across the nation.
With each match, anticipation builds for who will ultimately claim the coveted titles and earn the chance to represent Canada on the world stage. The 2025 Canadian Curling Trials serve as a platform for showcasing the best in curling, setting the stage for thrilling encounters in the days to come.