The recent Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials not only determined Canada’s representatives for the upcoming Winter Olympics but also provided a valuable opportunity for emerging players to gain experience at one of curling’s major domestic competitions. In the previous event in Halifax, Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs led their teams to victory, securing their spot to compete for Canada at the Milan Cortina Games. Young skips such as Jordon McDonald, Kayla Skrlik, Rylan Kleiter, and Selena Sturmay seized the chance to test their skills against top national teams, setting the stage for their future development.
As some older curlers contemplate retirement, the depth of Canada’s curling talent pool is expected to undergo a shift in the upcoming Olympic cycle. Changes are anticipated in the men’s curling scene, with more retirements likely compared to the women’s side. Notable players like Brad Gushue and E.J. Harnden have already announced plans to end their competitive careers after this season, paving the way for new talent to rise.
With the conclusion of the Olympic trials, Canadian curling enters a period akin to free agency, where players begin to strategize for the next four-year cycle leading up to the French Alps 2030 Games. In the absence of general managers, players engage in discussions early on to assess team dynamics, potential changes, and opportunities for collaboration in the evolving curling landscape.
The upcoming retirement of E.J. Harnden and the planned departure of Brad Gushue will prompt adjustments within top Canadian teams, creating opportunities for new partnerships and team compositions. The decisions of veteran players like Brad Jacobs, Marc Kennedy, and Ben Hebert will likely influence the direction of the sport, with Olympic success potentially serving as a deciding factor for their future involvement.
Meanwhile, anticipation surrounds the launch of the Rock League, a pro circuit organized by The Curling Group, known for the Grand Slam of Curling series. Despite adjustments to the league’s schedule and plans, there is optimism among players like Tyler Tardi, who will participate in the Rock League, emphasizing the importance of player engagement in its success.
The Rock League’s initial six-week schedule has been condensed to a single week, with a focus on the upcoming event at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. The league’s expansion plans to Europe were shelved in favor of a consolidated North American tour in 2026, with further events scheduled for 2027 in both Canada and the United States. The evolution of the Rock League and its reception within the curling community remain topics of interest as the sport continues to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.