Curling teams led by Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs are proudly representing Canada at the Pan Continental Curling Championships in Virginia, Minnesota this week. These championships are crucial as they determine the qualifying teams for the 2026 men’s and women’s world championships.
Starting the round-robin matches on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, Jacobs and his team from Calgary will face Xiaoming Xu’s team from China. In a previous encounter, Jacobs, along with his team members Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert, secured a decisive 11-2 victory over Xu’s team last April in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, earning a bronze medal.
The game saw Xu’s team scoring their first point by drawing against four counters in the third end. However, Jacobs took control in the fourth end, capitalizing on China’s missed shot to secure a significant five-point lead.
On the other hand, Homan’s team, hailing from the Ottawa Curling Club, is aiming to defend their title as the Pan Continental women’s champions after their victory in Lacombe, Alberta last year. The women’s competition in Minnesota, marking the first time the event is held outside Canada, will commence on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET, with Homan facing off against Japan’s Satsuki Fujisawa.
With Canada hosting the women’s world championship next year in March, Homan’s team already has a secured spot in the tournament. The team, consisting of Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, Sara Wilkes, and alternate Rachelle Brown, is gearing up for the upcoming challenges.
For Jacobs, leading the Canadian team for the first time, it’s essential to secure a top-five position in Minnesota to secure a place at next year’s men’s world championship, scheduled from March 28 to April 5 in Ogden City, Utah. The team aims to use this opportunity to gain valuable experience and prepare for the upcoming events.
Both teams are focused and determined to represent Canada with pride, showcasing their skills and determination on the international stage.
