The Crown Royal Players’ Championship in southeastern Manitoba features the world’s top 24 curling teams gearing up for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Taking place at the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach, the event showcases the top 12 men’s and women’s teams from the year-to-date rankings.
Thirteen of the competing teams are set to participate in the Winter Olympics in Italy. In a recent match, Scotland’s Ross Whyte led his team to a 6-3 victory over Winnipeg’s Mike McEwen. BJ Neufeld, playing as the third for McEwen’s team, acknowledged Scotland’s strong performance, stating they made it challenging for his team.
Neufeld, with family ties to Steinbach, found the match special. He praised the new Southeast Event Centre and expressed hope for hosting more major events in Manitoba. The event is not only a sporting spectacle but also a boost for Steinbach, attracting visitors to the city.
Despite being viewed as a small community, Steinbach’s population is around 20,000. The new event centre is expected to pave the way for future opportunities in the city. Scottish curling fan Billy Morton, traveling to support his friends, commended the facilities in Manitoba compared to Scotland.
Gimli’s Kerri Einarson secured a victory against Momoha Tabata’s team from Japan. The Players’ Championship will run through the weekend, with the finals scheduled for Sunday. The event brings together top curlers in a thrilling competition at the state-of-the-art facility in Steinbach.