Homan and Jacobs Secure Finals Spots at Canadian Olympic Curling Trials

Halifax witnessed an electrifying day at the Canadian Olympic curling trials as Rachel Homan and her team secured a spot in the finals with a thrilling victory. The reigning world champions triumphed over Kerri Einarson’s Manitoba team, concluding the round-robin play with a record of 6-1. Homan’s team now stands just two wins away from representing Canada at the 2026 Olympics.

Homan, along with her teammates Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, celebrated their 7-6 victory with exuberance on Wednesday afternoon. Einarson, ranked as the top team in the world, faced a challenging match that saw her team relinquish a 7-4 lead. The loss marked a significant setback, as Einarson had to contend with a late-game steal of two points in the eighth end.

“The win was huge,” Homan expressed, clearly elated after the match. The team now has a day of rest before the finals, while Einarson and home favorite Christina Black of Nova Scotia prepare to face off for the remaining finals berth in a semifinal match on Thursday.

Homan’s teammates were equally enthusiastic about their achievement. “We’ve watched every draw possible as a team,” Homan noted, indicating their commitment to strategizing for the upcoming finals. The anticipation is palpable not only within Team Homan but also among fans in Nova Scotia, who are eager to support Black’s team in the semifinals.

Black, with her team composed of Jill Brothers, Jennifer Baxter, Karlee Everist, and alternate Marlee Powers, fought their way into the playoffs after a rocky start. The team had initially lost two matches but rallied to secure a place in the semifinals. “We came into this believing we could get the third spot in the playoffs, and we never gave up,” Black shared, her emotions evident after her team’s comeback.

The race for the third playoff spot was intensely competitive, with Black, Selena Sturmay, and Kaitlyn Lawes all holding 3-3 records. Black’s victory was contingent on the outcomes of the other matches. After Sturmay won her game, Black followed suit, and the tension rose as they awaited the result of Lawes’ match. When Lawes emerged victorious, Black and her team erupted in celebration, knowing they had secured their place in the playoffs.

In the earlier matchup against Einarson, Homan’s team demonstrated resilience. Einarson had her chances, notably scoring three points in the fifth end to take a temporary lead. Yet, a crucial miss in the eighth end allowed Homan to capitalize and ultimately seize the win. Homan has now triumphed in their last seven encounters against Einarson, solidifying her team’s position as a formidable opponent.

On the men’s side, Brad Jacobs has already clinched the top spot and a bye to the final, with the final round-robin matches set for Wednesday evening. Teams including Matt Dunstone, Brad Gushue, and Mike McEwen must face must-win scenarios to secure their playoff spots. Jacobs is slated to meet Gushue in a match that promises high stakes and excitement.

Fleury, Homan’s third and a veteran of the trials, is embarking on her second Olympic Trials final. Reflecting on her past experience, she emphasized the importance of playing fearlessly. “Going out there being brave, throwing shots to make them, and if you lose, it will be okay. We know that,” she remarked.

As the trials progress, Team Homan stands on the cusp of Olympic qualification, eager to secure their place in the prestigious event. “We’re really, really excited,” Fleury concluded, capturing the enthusiasm and determination shared by the entire team.