Curling – Brandon Sun

Matt Dunstone prepares to throw a rock during Canadian Olympic curling trials action against Team Koe in Halifax, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Grand Slam of Curling continues to tweak shootout, extra end experiment

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

The Grand Slam of Curling continues to tinker with a draw-to-the-button shootout to replace extra ends, but the latter is making a comeback in Saskatoon this week.

A shootout was implemented for the preliminary round and tiebreakers at the season-opening AMJ Masters in September, and then expanded to include playoffs in October's Co-op Tour Challenge and November's Kioti GSOC Tahoe.

The change produced dramatic moments in big games. Swedish skip Anna Hasselborg drew to the button in a women's semifinal in the Tour Challenge, but Canada's Rachel Homan covered the pinhole to advance in Nisku, Alta.

Scotland's Bruce Mouat outdrew Canada's Matt Dunstone by three millimetres to take the men's final in Tahoe.

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Tirinzoni tops Fujisawa to win women’s curling final at HearingLife Canadian Open

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Tirinzoni tops Fujisawa to win women’s curling final at HearingLife Canadian Open

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

SASKATOON - Switzerland's Silvana Tirinzoni defeated Japan's Satsuki Fujisawa 7-1 in the women's final at the HearingLife Canadian Open in curling action on Sunday.

Tirinzoni jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first end before Fujisawa trimmed the deficit to one in the second.

After a scoreless third, Tirinzoni's rink scored five points across the next three ends, including a triple in the sixth.

The second-seeded Tirinzoni defeated Japan's Sayaka Yoshimura 5-4 in Saturday's semifinal to advance into Sunday's final.

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Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

Switzerland's skip Silvana Tirinzoni calls the sweep during the gold medal match against Canada at the World Women's Curling Championship in Uijeongbu, South Korea, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Schwaller to play Whyte, Fujisawa to face Tirinzoni in Grand Slam finals

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Schwaller to play Whyte, Fujisawa to face Tirinzoni in Grand Slam finals

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

SASKATOON - Yannick Schwaller of Geneva, Switzerland, punched his ticket to Sunday's final at the HearingLife Canadian Open with a 7-5 win Saturday night over John Shuster of Duluth, Minn.

Schwaller, who defeated Marc Muskatewitz of Germany 7-1 in Saturday's earlier quarterfinals, scored three in the opening end against Shuster. He went up 4-1 in the third with a single, but Shuster scored a deuce in the fourth, and stole one in the fifth to tie the game 4-4 after five ends.

But Schwaller counted two in the sixth, held Shuster to a single in the seventh, and scored one in the eighth to seal the deal in the Grand Slam of Curling competition at Merlis Belsher Place.

Schwaller will face Ross Whyte in the final after he knocked off Bruce Mouat 6-4 in an all Scotland semifinal. Whyte beat Brad Jacobs of Calgary 8-6 in Saturday's quarterfinals.

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Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

Rachel Homan delivers a stone during the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Nov. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Gallant Strides: Curling double duty has its advantages at the Winter Olympics

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Gallant Strides: Curling double duty has its advantages at the Winter Olympics

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

Brett Gallant will make history at the Milan Cortina Olympics when he becomes the first Canadian curler to compete in two disciplines at the same Winter Games.

It's a development that should also negate the advantage some other countries have enjoyed at previous Olympics when their athletes played in mixed doubles and four-player competitions.

Curling Canada changed its policy for this quadrennial to allow players to compete in both events. In addition to giving curlers an opportunity for two chances at the podium, it gives teams valuable insight into the ice, rocks and conditions in game scenarios.

"We would love to have our training camp on the Olympic ice ahead of the Olympics," said Team Jacobs coach Paul Webster. "Brett just gets to do that for us. So we're super excited."

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Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert sweep a stone during Canada's game against Switzerland at the World Men's Curling Championship in Moose Jaw, Sask. on April 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

With Homan’s team preparing for Games, Einarson’s rink gets Canada entry at Scotties

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

With Homan’s team preparing for Games, Einarson’s rink gets Canada entry at Scotties

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

With Team Rachel Homan preparing for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Team Kerri Einarson will wear Canada colours at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts next month in Mississauga, Ont.

Homan, who won a second straight Scotties crown last season, will not return to defend her title, Curling Canada said Tuesday in a statement. Einarson will instead assume the title of Team Canada at the Jan. 23-Feb. 1 playdowns since her team took silver at the 2025 national playdowns.

"We are thrilled to be wearing the (Maple Leaf) at the Scotties! It’s always an honour to represent (Canada) and we’re excited to compete in Mississauga soon," the team posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Einarson, a four-time Scotties champion from Gimli, Man., and teammates Val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard and Karlee Burgess had already earned one of three pre-qualification berths for the Scotties based on last season's rankings.

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Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

Kerri Einarson delivers a rock during the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Nov. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Powerhouse teams skipped by Homan and Jacobs lock up Olympic spots by winning trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Powerhouse teams skipped by Homan and Jacobs lock up Olympic spots by winning trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025

HALIFAX - Two powerhouse curling teams emerged from a tweaked playdowns format designed to send Canada's best possible representatives to the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Call it mission accomplished for Curling Canada.

Rachel Homan skipped her Ottawa team to the women's title and Brad Jacobs guided his Calgary rink to the men's crown at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials over the weekend.

"At the end of the day, I think that's our two hardest-working, most dedicated teams," Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen said Sunday. "And it showed."

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Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025

Ben Hebert hugs Rachel Homan, left, and Sarah Wilkes after the three were victorious at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Nov. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Clean Sweep! Brad Jacobs beats Matt Dunstone in Trials final to lock up Olympic spot

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Clean Sweep! Brad Jacobs beats Matt Dunstone in Trials final to lock up Olympic spot

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

HALIFAX - Brad Jacobs owned a poor performance in his opening game at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials.

He didn't lose again at Scotiabank Centre and is now on his way back to the Winter Olympics.

Jacobs and his Calgary-based team held off a spirited challenge from Matt Dunstone's Winnipeg side on Saturday night, making a hit in the 10th end for a 6-5 victory and two-game sweep in the best-of-three men's final.

Jacobs, third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert will wear the Maple Leaf at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Team Jacobs skip Brad Jacobs throws a stone during Canadian Olympic curling trials finals action against Team Dunstone in Halifax on Saturday, November 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

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Homan beats Black to sweep women’s curling final, secures Olympic spot

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Homan beats Black to sweep women’s curling final, secures Olympic spot

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

HALIFAX - After a close call in the opener of the best-of-three final a day earlier, coach Heather Nedohin could sense that Rachel Homan was ready to clinch an Olympic berth Saturday.

"It was in her eyes," Nedohin said. "She knew what she needed to do."

Homan was in form throughout a 12-3 rout of Christina Black's Halifax side in Game 2 that secured a third straight trip to the Winter Games.

The victory, which followed a tight 5-4 decision in Game 1, completed a sweep for the Ottawa team in the women's final at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials.

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Team Homan skip Rachel Homan, right, watches a stone from the house as Team Black skip Christina Black looks on during Game 2 of the women's final at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Nov. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Emergency alert notifications ring out in arena before Homan throw in curling final

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Emergency alert notifications ring out in arena before Homan throw in curling final

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

HALIFAX - Rachel Homan played through an unexpected distraction in the women's final at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency alert notifications rang on spectators' mobile devices throughout Scotiabank Centre just before Homan was about to throw a stone in the second end of Game 2 against Christina Black.

A man who was the subject of an alert in Enfield, N.S., about a half-hour drive north of Halifax, was safely taken into custody, the notification said.

Earlier in the day, police had advised residents in the town to stay inside and to close and lock doors and windows as officers responded to a "dangerous man with a firearm."

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Skip Rachel Homan delivers a rock during the women's final at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax on Nov. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

One Win Away: Homan and Jacobs post wins in openers of best-of-three finals at Trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

One Win Away: Homan and Jacobs post wins in openers of best-of-three finals at Trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

HALIFAX - Challenging ice conditions were a complication Rachel Homan managed to overcome Friday at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials.

The hurdle presented by her opposition's steady play was one she nearly didn't clear.

Homan's top-ranked team from Ottawa barely survived a nervy 5-4 victory over the plucky Halifax rink skipped by Christina Black in the opener of the best-of-three women's final at Scotiabank Centre.

"We knew it would be a battle and it was," said Homan's second Emma Miskew.

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Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Skip Christina Black, centre, watches her shot during Game 1 of the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials final against Team Homan in Halifax on Nov. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Jones’s jacket hangs in suite as family members watch Canadian Curling Trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Jones’s jacket hangs in suite as family members watch Canadian Curling Trials

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

HALIFAX - Members of Colleen Jones's family displayed one of her curling jackets in a suite at Scotiabank Centre during the women's semifinal at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials on Thursday.

Jones, a six-time national women's champion, died Tuesday at age 65.

She wore the blue and white Nova Scotia jacket at the 2011 Canadian senior curling championship in Digby, N.S.

Her husband, Scott Saunders, and sons Zach and Luke were among several family members who took in the afternoon matchup between local favourite Christina Black and Kerri Einarson.

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Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

A provincial jacket belonging to Colleen Jones hangs in a suite as friends and family watch the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials women's semifinal in Halifax on Nov. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Black upsets Einarson in women’s semi at curling Trials, Dunstone wins men’s semi

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Black upsets Einarson in women’s semi at curling Trials, Dunstone wins men’s semi

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

HALIFAX - Christina Black's team started the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials with a whimper.

The rink has a chance to end the playdowns as Canada's representatives at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Black's team from the local Halifax Curling Club stunned Kerri Einarson 6-3 in the women's semifinal Thursday afternoon to advance to the women's final against Rachel Homan.

"I don't really have any words," Black said. "It was awesome."

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Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

Christina Black during Canadian Curling Trials semifinal action against Team Einarson in Halifax on Nov. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Homan, Jacobs earn spots in finals at Canadian Curling Trials; Gushue eliminated

The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Homan, Jacobs earn spots in finals at Canadian Curling Trials; Gushue eliminated

The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

HALIFAX - Ottawa’s Rachel Homan punched her ticket to the women’s final and Calgary’s Brad Jacobs advanced on the men’s side, while St. John’s skip Brad Gushue was eliminated after missing a pivotal shot at the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials.

Homan edged Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., 7-6 on Wednesday to clinch first in the women's round robin.

The two rinks finished the preliminary round with 6-1 records, but Homan earned the direct path to the best-of-three final with the head-to-head win.

“That was our goal at the beginning of the week,” said Homan. “The field is so tough that we needed everything today to make it to that final and I’m really proud of the girls for battling through.

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Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

Brad Jacobs yells from the house during Canadian Olympic curling trials action against Team Epping in Halifax, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

World champion curler, veteran broadcaster Colleen Jones dies at 65

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

World champion curler, veteran broadcaster Colleen Jones dies at 65

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

Colleen Jones, a world champion curler whose effervescent personality made her a popular presence on the CBC over nearly four decades with the national broadcaster, has died. She was 65.

Jones was diagnosed with cancer in early 2023. Her son Luke Saunders announced she died Tuesday morning in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"Mom had been fighting and trying to beat back cancer over the last three years or so," Saunders said. "Late this morning, while looking out on the ocean from her favourite spot in Maders Cove, with my Dad, brother and myself beside her, Mom passed away.

"Please think of your favourite Colleen Jones moment, cherish it. Hurry and love hard."

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Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

Team Nova Scotia coach Colleen Jones talks to her team at the break as they play Team British Columbia-Grandy at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Einarson still perfect at Canadian Olympic curling trials, Homan in striking distance

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Einarson still perfect at Canadian Olympic curling trials, Homan in striking distance

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

HALIFAX - Kerri Einarson remained undefeated at the 2025 Montana's Canadian Curling Trials with a 9-7 win over Selena Sturmay on Tuesday morning.

Einarson's squad from Gimli, Man., improved to 5-0 after scoring four in the ninth end to take a 9-5 lead.

Edmonton's Sturmay fell to 2-3.

Ottawa's Rachel Homan kept the heat on Einarson with a 4-1 record after a 10-3 win over Corryn Brown of Kamloops, B.C. Brown fell to 1-4.

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Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

Homan bounces back at Canadian curling trials, unbeaten Dunstone tops Gushue

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Homan bounces back at Canadian curling trials, unbeaten Dunstone tops Gushue

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

HALIFAX - Rachel Homan rebounded from a rare setback with a 12-5 victory over Selena Sturmay in Monday's afternoon draw at the 2025 Montana's Canadian Curling Trials.

Homan improved to 3-1 in Halifax, returning to her winning ways after an extra-end loss to Kayla Skrlik on Sunday ended her 32-game winning streak against Canadian opponents.

The Ottawa-based team took control of the match against Edmonton's Sturmay with a five-point third end that gave it an 8-2 lead.

"It’s a short round robin so you have to come out strong every game, and anything in the past, nothing can be changed about that," Homan said. "You just have to move forward and come with your best game the next day."

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Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

December 24, 2025

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