Olympic Curling: Canada’s Road to Gold Continues!
The Canadian men’s curling team, led by Brett Gallant, Brad Jacobs, Marc Kennedy, and Ben Hebert, has secured their spot in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics! After a nail-biting semi-final against Norway on Thursday, requiring an extra end, Team Canada emerged victorious with a 5-4 win. The team erupted in celebration, embracing in a joyous display of camaraderie.
Now, they face a formidable opponent: Bruce Mouat’s Great Britain team. Mouat and his squad have proven their strength, having won two of the last three men’s world curling championships and recently defeated Switzerland 8-5 in their semi-final match. This sets the stage for a captivating showdown between two of the world’s best curling teams.
A Clash of Curling Titans
“They’re the No. 1 team in the world for a reason, so looking forward to… another battle,” said Jacobs, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “Two heavyweight teams going at it should be a really entertaining game for everybody.” While Canada finished round robin play with a strong 7-2 record, Great Britain’s 5-4 record doesn’t tell the whole story. They’ve been gaining momentum and delivered a stunning upset against Switzerland, the previously undefeated team.
The historical rivalry between Scotland and Canada adds another layer of excitement to this match. Mouat noted, “There’s so much history in our sport, and a lot of it goes back to Scotland versus Canada… Getting to play an Olympic gold medal game against Canada is pretty special. It’s really good for our sport.”
Experience and Determination
This isn’t the first Olympic experience for many members of Team Canada. Ben Hebert and Marc Kennedy previously won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, while Brett Gallant earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Brad Jacobs himself brought home gold from Sochi in 2014. This wealth of experience will be crucial as they strive for another gold medal.
“I didn’t think I’d still be playing at this age,” admitted Kennedy, who semi-retired six years ago. “So to be back here is pretty incredible, and to be with these guys [I’m] really proud of my team.”
Overcoming Challenges
The road to the final hasn’t been without its hurdles. Team Canada found themselves at the centre of a controversy after an incident involving an expletive caught on a hot mic and accusations of a double-touch. Kennedy described the week as “a harder week than most people could ever imagine.”
The semi-final against Norway was a particularly tense affair, characterized by tight scoring and strategic play. Jacobs’ skillful shots, including a crucial double takeout, were instrumental in securing the win. Coach Paul Webster praised Jacobs as “one of the best last rock throwers in the world over the last 15, 16 years.”
Looking Ahead
Canada is aiming to end a 12-year gold medal drought in curling, having last won in 2014. Webster expressed hope for a weekend filled with memorable Olympic matchups for Canadian viewers, including a potential showdown between Canada and the U.S. in men’s hockey. “We’re excited to play Canada versus Scotland in the Olympic final,” he added. “I hope Canada plays the U.S. in the men’s hockey final, and we just all bring home gold and just drink maple syrup together!”
Don’t miss the action as Team Canada battles Great Britain for Olympic gold! Stay tuned for updates and cheer on our Canadian curlers.
For more information on Olympic curling, visit the official Olympic website.
