Top curlers from around the world have gathered in Saskatoon for the final Grand Slam of Curling event of the year. The 2025 HearingLife Canadian Open commenced on Tuesday at Merlis Belsher Place and will conclude on Sunday with the men’s and women’s finals. This event presents a unique opportunity for fans to watch Canada’s Olympic curling teams in action before they embark on their journey to the Milano-Cortina Winter Games in February. Notably, veteran curler Brad Gushue is set to retire at the end of this season, making this potentially his last appearance in Saskatchewan.
The winners of the Canadian curling trials last month, Team Brad Jacobs and Team Rachel Homan, have secured their spots in the upcoming Olympics and are among the competitors at the event. Rachel Homan expressed the importance of the competition in Saskatoon, stating that each game serves as valuable practice for the challenges they will face at the Olympics.
With an impressive track record that includes three world championships and five Scotties Tournament of Hearts titles, Rachel Homan is determined to clinch a gold medal this time around. She exudes confidence in her team, comprising Sarah Wilkes, Emma Miskew, and Tracy Fleury, emphasizing their collective readiness for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Team Homan currently holds the top position in the world women’s team rankings, while Team Jacobs ranks third in the men’s category. Skip Brad Jacobs, who secured gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, is leading a new team featuring Ben Hebert, Brett Gallant, and Marc Kennedy. Gallant, in addition to competing with the team, will also participate in the mixed doubles event at the Olympics alongside his wife, Jocelyn Peterman.
Brad Jacobs, aged 40, feels that he is currently at the peak of his career and is determined to add another gold medal to his collection. The team is focused on achieving their goals, including securing a Grand Slam victory, as they continue to push themselves in pursuit of success.
