Team Jacobs and Team Homan Claim Victory at the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials: Eyes on Olympic Gold in Italy

November 30, 2025 – In a thrilling culmination of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, Team Brad Jacobs and Team Rachel Homan emerged victorious at the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials, securing their spots to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Held from November 22 to 29 at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the event showcased the best of Canadian curling talent, with eight teams battling it out in each division through a round-robin format followed by playoffs and a best-of-three final series. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for both teams but also reignites Canada’s hopes for curling gold on the international stage, where the nation has a storied history of dominance.

Curling, often dubbed “chess on ice,” demands precision, teamwork, and mental fortitude. The Canadian Olympic Curling Trials are the pinnacle of domestic competition, determining who will don the maple leaf at the Olympics. With the 2026 Games set against the stunning backdrop of Italy’s Alpine regions, the pressure was immense. Canada has medaled in every Olympic curling event since its inclusion in 1998, but recent years have seen fierce global competition from teams like Sweden, Scotland, and the United States. For Team Jacobs and Team Homan, this win is a chance to add to that legacy.

Let’s start with the men’s side. Team Brad Jacobs, hailing from Northern Ontario, consists of skip Brad Jacobs, third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, lead Ben Hebert, alternate Mike Caione, and coach Paul Webster. Jacobs is no stranger to Olympic glory, having led Canada to gold at the 2014 Sochi Games with a different lineup. His current team is a powerhouse of experience: Kennedy and Hebert won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, while Gallant earned bronze in 2022 at Beijing with Team Brad Gushue. Together, they’ve also qualified for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics as part of Team Kevin Koe.

The path to victory wasn’t easy. The men’s field was stacked with top talent, including defending Olympic champion Brad Gushue, veteran Kevin Koe, and rising stars like Matt Dunstone and Mike McEwen. Team Jacobs navigated the round-robin with poise, advancing to the final against Team Dunstone from Manitoba. The best-of-three series was a nail-biter from the start.

In Game 1, played on November 28, Jacobs edged out Dunstone 9-8 in a tense affair that showcased both teams’ shot-making prowess. Dunstone’s squad, known for their consistency, started strong but couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities. Jacobs’ team stole points in crucial ends, sealing the win with a precise draw in the 10th. Game 2, on November 29, was equally dramatic. With the series on the line, Jacobs built an early lead, but Dunstone fought back, forcing extra pressure in the later ends. In the end, Jacobs prevailed 6-5, sweeping the series and punching their ticket to Italy. “It’s an incredible feeling to be heading back to the Olympics with this group,” Jacobs said post-game. “We’ve got the experience, and we’re hungry for that gold.”

Shifting to the women’s division, Team Rachel Homan from Ontario dominated the competition. The team features skip Rachel Homan, third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, lead Sarah Wilkes, alternate Rachelle Brown, and coach Heather Nedohin. Homan, a three-time world champion, has been a force in Canadian curling for over a decade. She represented Canada at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, finishing fifth, and has since rebuilt her team into an unstoppable unit. Fleury brings veteran savvy, while Miskew and Wilkes provide rock-solid support.

The women’s field included powerhouses like Kerri Einarson, Kaitlyn Lawes, and the surprising Christina Black from Nova Scotia, who upset higher seeds to reach the final. Homan’s squad went undefeated in the round-robin, setting the tone for their playoff run. In the best-of-three final against Black, Game 1 was a close contest, with Homan eking out a 5-4 win thanks to a stolen point in the extra end. Game 2 was a different story altogether. Homan exploded out of the gates, scoring multiple points in early ends and forcing Black into defensive plays. By the sixth end, the lead was insurmountable, ending in a decisive 12-3 victory. This sweep not only secured their Olympic berth but also demonstrated their readiness for international competition.

Both teams’ successes highlight the depth of Canadian curling. Jacobs’ blend of Olympic veterans and Homan’s tactical brilliance position Canada as favorites for gold in Italy. The 2026 Olympics will feature mixed doubles, men’s, and women’s events, with curling taking place in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Canada has won gold in men’s curling three times and women’s twice, but the last dual gold was in 2006. With these teams, that drought could end.

Looking ahead, preparation will be key. Both squads will compete in upcoming World Championships and Grand Slam events to fine-tune their game. “We’re not just going to participate; we’re going for gold,” Homan stated. The Italian Olympics promise challenging ice conditions and top-tier opponents, but if the Trials are any indication, Teams Jacobs and Homan are primed to shine.

This victory is more than a ticket to the Games—it’s a testament to perseverance. Jacobs, at 40, proves age is no barrier, while Homan, 36, shows resilience after past setbacks. For Canadian fans, it’s a reason to cheer. As the countdown to February 2026 begins, the curling world watches eagerly. Will Italy see another Canadian sweep? Only time—and the ice—will tell.