The recent Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials not only established the Winter Olympics representatives for Canada but also provided emerging players with a valuable experience of competing at one of curling’s premier domestic events held every four years. Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs emerged victorious in Halifax last November, securing their spots to represent Canada at the upcoming Milan Cortina Games. For young skips like Jordon McDonald, Kayla Skrlik, Rylan Kleiter, and Selena Sturmay, the trials offered a chance to showcase their skills against top Canadian teams.
Curling Canada’s CEO, Nolan Thiessen, emphasized the importance of the event for these young teams, stating that the high-pressure experience gained will benefit them in the long run. With some veteran curlers considering retirement, the depth of Canada’s curling talent pool is expected to undergo significant changes after the current Olympic cycle.
The men’s curling scene, in particular, is anticipated to witness more transformations due to potential retirements. Notable players like Brad Gushue and E.J. Harnden have announced that this season will be their last, paving the way for new talent to step up. The post-Olympic period usually triggers a series of discussions among players as they strategize on team compositions and future plans leading up to the French Alps 2030 Games.
Amidst these changes, the introduction of the Rock League by The Curling Group has stirred excitement in the curling community. The pro circuit, set to launch this spring, aims to revolutionize the sport. Team Koe’s vice Tyler Tardi, set to participate in the league, expressed optimism about its potential success, highlighting the pivotal role of player involvement.
Originally planned as a six-week schedule, the Rock League has been condensed to a seven-day event in 2026. While initial plans to expand to Europe were scrapped, the league is now focused on hosting events in North America. The upcoming season in 2027 includes stops in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Halifax, and Ottawa in Canada, with the sole U.S. event scheduled for Utica, New York. The playoffs in April 2027 are yet to announce their host city.