Homan and Einarson earn decisive wins at the 2025 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, while Gushue, Koe, McEwen and Dunstone open the men’s event with victories.
Homan & Einarson Dominate Opening Day at Olympic Trials
Strong Starts Set the Tone in Halifax
Tournament favourites Rachel Homan and Kerri Einarson delivered commanding performances on Saturday as the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials got underway in Halifax. The event, which determines Canada’s men’s and women’s teams for the 2026 Winter Olympics, began with decisive victories from the nation’s top contenders.
Commanding Win for Homan’s Ottawa Rink
Homan, the reigning Canadian and world champion, quickly seized control of her opening match against Kate Cameron of St. Adolphe, Man. A draw for three in the third end followed by a stolen four in the fourth propelled Homan’s team to a dominant 16–5 victory.
Homan said the early momentum came from adapting swiftly to ice conditions, noting that her squad—Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, Sarah Wilkes, alternate Rachelle Brown and coach Heather Nedohin—executed with precision. “We came out strong and learned the ice really well,” she said. “Getting the early lead made a big difference.”
Einarson Silences the Local Crowd Early
Gimli’s Kerri Einarson wasted no time asserting control against Halifax favourite Christina Black, opening with steals of two and four before cruising to a 12–5 win. Einarson said facing Black in the first draw was an advantage. “You get them before the crowd gets behind them,” she explained. “We wanted to apply pressure early, and it worked.”
The matchup rekindled a familiar rivalry, with Einarson praising Black’s team for always delivering competitive battles.
Other Women’s Draw Highlights
Kaitlyn Lawes of Winnipeg secured a 7–4 victory over Kamloops skip Corryn Brown after key steals in the third and ninth ends. Edmonton’s Selena Sturmay also dominated with steals in the third and seventh ends, defeating Calgary’s Kayla Skrlik 8–2.
The early results signal a competitive women’s field as teams navigate a demanding Olympic Trials schedule.
Tight Finishes in the Men’s Opening Draw
The men’s event opened later Saturday with tight battles across the sheet. Saskatoon’s Mike McEwen edged Winnipeg’s Jordon McDonald 6–5 after drawing to the eight-foot for a winning deuce in the 10th end.
McEwen, despite the victory, expressed frustration over missed scoring opportunities but emphasized staying composed. “You have to enjoy it, even with the intensity,” he said, acknowledging the electric Halifax crowd.
Veteran Leaders Deliver Key Wins
Elsewhere, Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N.L., began his campaign with a convincing 11–5 win over Rylan Kleiter of Saskatoon. Winnipeg’s Matt Dunstone posted a steady 6–3 victory against Sudbury’s John Epping, while Calgary’s Kevin Koe edged fellow Calgarian Brad Jacobs 6–5 in a matchup of former champions.
The opening draw showcased the depth of Canada’s men’s field, with championship pedigree present on nearly every sheet.
Road to Milan and Cortina Begins
With the trials running through the week in Halifax, every win carries weight. Only one men’s team and one women’s team will earn the right to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
If opening day is any indication, fans can expect high-intensity curling, dramatic finishes, and world-class shotmaking as Canada’s best vie for Olympic glory.
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