The Canadian Curling Trials in Montana not only determined the country’s representatives for the Winter Olympics but also provided a valuable learning experience for emerging players to compete at the sport’s premier domestic event every four years. Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs led their teams to victory in Halifax last November, securing their spots to represent Canada at the upcoming Milan Cortina Games. For younger skips like Jordon McDonald, Kayla Skrlik, Rylan Kleiter, and Selena Sturmay, it was an opportunity to showcase their skills against top-tier teams in the nation.
Curling Canada’s CEO, Nolan Thiessen, highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing that the exposure to high-pressure competition will benefit these younger teams in the long run. As Canada’s curling landscape undergoes changes with some veteran players contemplating retirement, the next generation of curlers is gearing up to fill the void.
The post-Olympic period typically brings significant shifts in the curling community, with more anticipated changes in the men’s division due to impending retirements. Players like Brad Gushue and E.J. Harnden have announced that this will be their final competitive season, paving the way for a new era in Canadian curling. The transition period, often referred to as the “free agency” phase, begins once the Olympic teams are finalized, prompting players to strategize for the upcoming four-year cycle leading to the 2030 Games.
With no general managers in curling, players engage in early discussions to assess team compositions and potential partnerships, considering the evolving competitive landscape. Harnden expressed relief in knowing his future plans and not being on the uncertain side of team changes, a sentiment echoed by other players as they prepare for the next phase of their careers.
As the sport anticipates the launch of the Rock League, a professional circuit by The Curling Group, players like Tyler Tardi are optimistic about its potential impact on the sport. The league’s debut has been adjusted to a condensed schedule in 2026, with plans for European expansion dropped in favor of focusing on North American events. Despite some adjustments, anticipation for the upcoming Rock League events remains high, with players and stakeholders eager to see how it will shape the future of curling.
The Rock League’s inaugural season is set for a brief seven-day schedule in Toronto, marking the beginning of a new era in competitive curling. Plans for the league’s expansion in 2027 include multiple Canadian stops and one U.S. event, showcasing a growing interest in professional curling competitions on both sides of the border. The hosting of the playoffs in April 2027 is yet to be determined, promising an exciting continuation of the evolving curling scene.