Top Canadian curling teams are currently focusing on the Olympic trials. The trials in November in Halifax will determine the teams representing Canada at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Canada last won Olympic gold in team curling in 2014 in Sochi, Russia, with Jennifer Jones and Brad Jacobs leading the victorious teams.
Seven men’s teams and seven women’s teams heading to the Halifax trials are currently competing in the PointsBet Invitational this week. The event, offering a prize purse of $300,000, has been adapted to mimic the trials’ atmosphere, providing each team with four round-robin games in Calgary.
This year’s PointsBet serves as a dress rehearsal for the trials for most teams, allowing them to gain valuable experience and insights. The winners of the men’s and women’s competitions in Wolfville will complete the trials field in Halifax, emphasizing the importance of the current event as a preparation platform.
Curling Canada has reduced the number of PointsBet teams to 20 this year, with five of the remaining teams competing in the Home Hardware Canadian pre-trials in Wolfville from October 20 to 26. This strategic approach aims to optimize team performance and readiness for the upcoming trials in Halifax.
The altered format of the PointsBet Invitational ensures a competitive environment for the participating teams, with high stakes and intense competition leading up to the crucial Olympic trials in November. For many curlers, this year marks a significant opportunity to showcase their skills and secure a spot in the prestigious event.
As the curling season progresses, teams are focused on honing their skills and strategies to excel in the trials and potentially represent Canada at the 2026 Olympics. With the trials serving as a pinnacle of achievement in Canadian curling, teams are fully committed to giving their best performance and aiming for success in the upcoming events.
