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The 2025 Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax have captivated fans, with Winnipeg’s Matt Dunstone securing an impressive 4-0 record. His latest win came against Brad Gushue, a veteran player from St. John’s, with a score of 9-7 in a tense evening match. The stakes were high, as both competitors aim to represent Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Unpredictable moments in the ring
During a recent match, Dunstone described the experience as chaotic, noting, “That was 11 ends of complete and utter mayhem. I thought we controlled the majority of that game.” Although his team did not start with the hammer, they effectively executed their strategy. By the seventh end, they managed to flip the hammer in their favor, creating a tense finish. Gushue, recognized for applying relentless pressure in critical moments, fought hard to regain control but ultimately fell short.
Current standings and highlights
As the trials continue, competition remains intense. Brad Jacobs, the 2014 Olympic champion, achieved a 6-3 victory over Jordon McDonald, who is still in search of his first win. In another match, Mike McEwen from Saskatoon narrowly defeated Calgary’s Kevin Koe with a score of 9-7, leaving both teams with a balanced 2-2 record.
In a significant match, Ryan Kleiter secured his first victory of the tournament by overcoming Toronto’s John Epping 10-7, improving his record to 1-3. Earlier in the day, Gushue also managed to clinch a win against Epping, showcasing his skill by stealing points in the third and sixth ends, ultimately finishing with a score of 5-3.
Women’s competition intensifies
The women’s trials have proven to be highly competitive, with Rachel Homan demonstrating resilience after a rare defeat. Homan decisively triumphed over Selena Sturmay, securing a victory with a score of 12-5. This win follows an unexpected loss to Kayla Skrlik, which halted her remarkable 32-game winning streak against Canadian opponents.
Key performances in women’s standings
Homan’s team asserted dominance early, particularly during a five-point third end that gave them an 8-2 lead. Reflecting on the compact round-robin format, she noted the importance of consistent performance, stating, “You just have to move forward and come with your best game the next day.” Homan currently holds second place in the standings, just behind the undefeated Kerri Einarson from Gimli, who improved her record to 4-0.
In other matches, Christina Black secured a 9-4 victory over Corryn Brown, while Skrlik narrowly defeated Kate Cameron with a score of 7-6. The standings reflect a competitive atmosphere, with Lawes, Sturmay, Black, and Skrlik all tied at 2-2. Brown’s record now stands at 1-3, while Cameron seeks her first win, currently at 0-4.
Looking ahead to the Olympics
The Canadian Curling Trials hold significant implications, as champions from both the men’s and women’s events will qualify to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Athletes such as Dunstone and Gushue recognize the importance of each match in their pursuit of Olympic qualification.
As the trials unfold in Halifax, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and tension. With each draw, some competitors see their path to the Olympics becoming clearer, while others seek to reverse their fortunes. The curling community is keenly observing as these elite athletes vie for their opportunity on the global stage.