Canadian Olympic Curling Trials – Results Teams Schedule Qualifiers
Canada’s top curling teams competed in November 2025 for the chance to represent the nation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, held at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, delivered nine days of intense competition across men’s and women’s divisions. Eight teams per gender battled through a round-robin format before advancing to playoff battles that would determine Canada’s Olympic representatives.
The trials, which have occurred every four years since 1997, represent the culmination of an extensive qualification pathway through Canadian curling’s elite events. This cycle marked another chapter in a competition tradition that helps shape Canada’s Olympic curling roster for Winter Games around the world.
When and Where Are the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
Event Dates
November 22-30, 2025
Location
Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Teams
8 men’s teams / 8 women’s teams
Stakes
1 team per gender to Olympics
Key Insights
- Team Homan secured the women’s Olympic berth after defeating Team Black 2-0 in the final
- Team Jacobs claimed the men’s Olympic spot, completing a 2-0 series victory over Team Dunstone
- Eight teams per division competed across 15 draws before playoffs commenced on November 27
- All draws were streamed live on TSN, with scores tracked on CurlingZone
- The event was organized by Curling Canada as part of the quadrennial Olympic qualification cycle
- Semifinals saw Team Black advance past Team Einarson (6-3) and Team Dunstone defeat Team McEwen (9-5)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Round-robin followed by best-of-three finals |
| Organizer | Curling Canada |
| Broadcast | TSN, CBC post-event analysis |
| Qualification Path | Pre-trials in Wolfville, mixed doubles trials in Liverpool |
| Provincial Residency | Bypassed (Olympic qualification rules apply) |
| History | Marketed as “Roar of the Rings” until 2017 |
| Olympic Link | Milano Cortina 2026 (February 4-22, 2026) |
| Sponsor | Tim Hortons |
Who Are the Teams and Favorites in the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
Women’s Division Contenders
Eight women’s teams competed in Halifax, representing some of Canada’s most accomplished curlers. Team Homan, featuring skip Rachel Homan, entered as a strong contender based on recent form. Team Einarson, skipped by Kerri Einarson, brought experience from multiple national championships. Team Black, led by Selena Njegovan, emerged as a formidable opponent throughout the round-robin.
The complete women’s field included Team Lawes (skip Dawn McEwen-Laux), Team Cameron (skip Christina Cameron), Team Skrlik (skip Renée Sonnenberg), Team Sturmay (skip Selena Sturmay), and Team Brown (skip Brittany Banks). Each squad earned their place through the qualification pathway that included pre-trials events.
Men’s Division Contenders
The men’s competition featured Canada’s elite four-player teams. Team Jacobs, skipped by Brad Jacobs, established themselves as serious contenders early in the event. Team Gushue, featuring Olympic gold medalist Brad Gushue, brought championship pedigree to the ice. Team Dunstone, skipped by Matt Dunstone, also entered among the favorites.
Additional men’s teams included Team McEwen (skip Mike McEwen), Team Koe (skip Kevin Koe), Team Epping (skip Brad Epping), Team McDonald (skip Cam McDonald), and Team Kleiter (skip Tanner Kleiter). Sample round-robin matchups like Jacobs vs. McDonald and Gushue vs. Dunstone showcased the competitive depth across the field.
Based on recent form and championship experience, women’s favorites included Team Homan and Team Einarson. In the men’s division, Team Gushue and Team Dunstone were widely considered strong contenders heading into the trials.
How Do the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials Work?
Tournament Format and Structure
The trials employ a round-robin format where all eight teams in each division compete against each other across 15 draws. Each draw features four games, giving teams multiple opportunities to prove themselves before playoffs begin. This structure ensures fair competition while allowing the strongest teams to emerge through consistent performance.
Following the round-robin stage, the top teams advance to semifinals. The playoff format uses best-of-three series for the finals, adding strategic depth as teams must win two games to claim the Olympic berth. This approach tests both consistency and adaptability across multiple matches.
Qualification Process
Teams qualify for the trials through an established pathway that bypasses the provincial residency requirements applied at national championships like the Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Qualification methods vary per Olympic cycle but consistently reward performance at major Canadian and international events.
For the 2026 cycle, teams earned their spots through pre-trials held in Wolfville and mixed doubles trials conducted in Liverpool. The system ensures that Canada’s strongest curling teams, regardless of province, have the opportunity to compete for Olympic selection.
Since 1997, the trials have occurred the year before each Winter Olympics, establishing a regular cadence for Canadian Olympic curling selection. This four-year cycle aligns with international curling competition schedules.
Who Won and Who Qualified from the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
Women’s Final Results
Team Homan claimed Canada’s women’s Olympic berth after a decisive 2-0 series victory over Team Black in the final. Game 1 proved tightly contested with Team Homan securing a 5-4 win. Team Homan then dominated Game 2, winning 12-3 to close out the championship.
Team Black advanced to the final by defeating Team Einarson 6-3 in the semifinal. The victory marked a significant achievement for Team Black, which built momentum throughout the playoffs after strong round-robin performance.
Men’s Final Results
Team Jacobs secured the men’s Olympic qualification with a 2-0 series lead over Team Dunstone. Game 1 saw Team Jacobs prevail 9-8 in a closely fought match. Game 2 resulted in a 6-5 victory that clinched the series before a potential Game 3 was needed.
Team Dunstone reached the final by defeating Team McEwen 9-5 in the semifinal. The strong playoff run demonstrated Team Dunstone’s capabilities against Canada’s top curling talent.
Mixed Doubles Qualification
The mixed doubles Olympic spot went to Team Gallant and Team Peterman, who qualified through world championship points standing sixth in the Olympic rankings. This separate qualification pathway operates alongside the four-player team competitions.
Results reflect outcomes from the November 2025 trials. The qualifying teams now prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 4-22, 2026.
Complete Schedule and Draw Times
All draws took place at the Scotiabank Centre with times listed in Atlantic Standard Time (AST). The nine-day competition featured 15 draws before semifinals and finals began. Consulteu els resultats dels Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, i si voleu saber quan és el Dia d’Acció de Gràcies al Canadà, podeu trobar aquesta informació aquí. Quan és el Dia d’Acció de Gràcies al Canadà
Round-Robin Draws
- November 22: Draw 1 at 2 p.m., Draw 2 at 7 p.m.
- November 23: Draw 3 at 9 a.m., Draw 4 at 2 p.m., Draw 5 at 7 p.m.
- November 24: Draw 6 at 9 a.m., Draw 7 at 2 p.m., Draw 8 at 7 p.m.
- November 25: Draw 9 at 9 a.m., Draw 10 at 2 p.m., Draw 11 at 7 p.m.
- November 26: Draw 12 at 9 a.m., Draw 13 at 2 p.m., Draw 14 at 7 p.m.
Playoff Schedule
- November 27: Women’s semifinal (approximately noon), Men’s semifinal (later)
- November 29: Women’s final Games 1 and 2 (1 p.m.), Men’s final Games 1 and 2 (7 p.m.)
- November 30: Finals Game 3 if necessary (women 1 p.m., men 7 p.m.)
What the Results Mean for Canadian Curling
Confirmed Information
- Event dates: November 22-30, 2025
- Venue: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Format: Round-robin with best-of-three finals
- Teams: Eight per gender, qualified through pre-trials
- Olympic spots awarded: Three (women’s, men’s, mixed doubles)
- Broadcast: All draws on TSN
Where Information Remains Incomplete
- Detailed round-robin standings and win-loss records
- Individual player statistics from specific draws
- Complete Game 3 results if series were decided earlier
- Specific score breakdowns beyond final and semifinal results
The Role of the Trials in Canadian Curling
The Canadian Olympic Curling Trials serve as the definitive selection event for the nation’s Olympic curling teams. Unlike national championships that operate under provincial residency rules, the trials evaluate teams based on their ability to compete at the international level. This distinction makes the trials uniquely important within Canadian curling’s competitive hierarchy.
The event’s history extends beyond its current name. Marketing as the “Roar of the Rings” established strong brand recognition among curling fans from 1997 through 2017. The transition to the current naming convention reflects broader Olympic branding while maintaining the competition’s significance.
For the qualifying teams, the trials represent both an endpoint and a beginning. Team Homan and Team Jacobs now shift focus to preparing for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where they will face the world’s top curling nations across nearly three weeks of competition.
Coverage and Access
“All draws streamed live on TSN; scores tracked on CurlingZone and curling.ca.”
— Sporting News
Fans could access live coverage through TSN’s streaming platform, ensuring comprehensive access to all draws throughout the competition. Score tracking remained available through CurlingZone, providing real-time updates for those unable to watch broadcasts.
Post-event analysis appeared on CBC and YouTube channels, discussing implications for the upcoming Winter Olympics. This coverage extended beyond results to examine team strategies, key performances, and outlook for Milano Cortina 2026.
Looking Ahead to the Winter Olympics
The qualifying teams now enter a preparation phase ahead of the Winter Olympics in Italy. Team Homan and Team Jacobs will refine their strategies while building team cohesion ahead of the international stage. The Milano Cortina 2026 curling competition begins February 4, 2026, with both Canadian teams carrying the expectations of a nation passionate about the sport.
For additional context on the broader Olympic context, see our coverage of World Juniors 2026 Scores and Milano Cortina 2026 preparation updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the qualification process for the Olympics via curling trials?
Teams qualify through pre-trials events and mixed doubles trials held before the main Olympic trials. The system bypasses provincial residency rules applied at national championships like the Brier and Scotties.
How many teams qualify from the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
Three spots are awarded: one women’s team, one men’s team, and one mixed doubles team. Each represents Canada at the subsequent Winter Olympics.
What is the history of Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
The trials have occurred every four years since 1997, selecting Canada’s representatives for each Winter Olympics. The event was historically marketed as “Roar of the Rings” until 2017.
Where can I watch the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials?
All draws were streamed live on TSN. Scores and results were available through CurlingZone and curling.ca during the competition.
When did the 2025 trials take place?
The competition ran from November 22 through November 30, 2025, at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Who won the women’s division?
Team Homan won the women’s final 2-0 over Team Black, securing the Olympic berth with victories of 5-4 and 12-3.
Who won the men’s division?
Team Jacobs won the men’s final 2-0 over Team Dunstone, claiming the Olympic spot with wins of 9-8 and 6-5.
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