Brad Jacobs and his team grabbed a thrilling 9-8 victory over Matt Dunstone in the opening game of the Canadian Curling Trials final on Friday in Halifax. This win puts Jacobs just one victory away from securing Canada’s spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Thrilling Opener Shakes Up Trials
The match unfolded with high drama at the Scotiabank Centre, where both teams traded blows in a game full of unexpected twists. Jacobs, skipping a Calgary-based rink, built an early lead but saw it slip away before clawing back for the win in the 10th end.
Dunstone’s final shot missed its mark, allowing Jacobs to score two points and seal the deal. The crowd watched as nerves and tricky ice conditions led to rare mistakes from these top-ranked curlers.
This best-of-three series decides who represents Canada at the Olympics. Jacobs, a gold medalist from 2014, aims for a return trip with his experienced squad.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
The action started strong for Jacobs, who led 5-2 by the fifth end. A critical error then handed Dunstone four points, flipping the momentum and putting his Winnipeg team ahead.
Jacobs responded swiftly with a precise tap for two points, regaining control. The ninth end saw Dunstone score two more to lead again, setting up a tense finish.
In the 10th, Dunstone’s hit-and-roll attempt flashed through the house, missing Jacobs’ stone entirely. This opened the door for Jacobs to steal the victory without needing a final throw.
- Early dominance: Jacobs built a solid lead with smart plays in the first half.
- Momentum shift: Dunstone’s four-point end turned the game on its head.
- Final miss: Dunstone’s error in the 10th proved costly, handing the win to Jacobs.
Player Reactions and Family Ties
Jacobs expressed mixed emotions after the win, noting the family connection with his cousins E.J. and Ryan Harnden on Dunstone’s team. He admitted feeling for them despite the competitive stakes.
“I feel for Matt and that team after that miss,” Jacobs said. “My cousins are family, and I love them, but we all want to win.”
Dunstone, ranked second in the world, called the game adventurous and full of weird moments typical of big events like the trials. Both skips highlighted the pressure of Olympic dreams on the line.
Teammates on both sides praised the resilience shown. Jacobs’ rink, including veterans like Marc Kennedy, stayed composed through the ups and downs.
Team Backgrounds and Road to the Final
Jacobs brings Olympic gold from Sochi in 2014 and recent success as Canada’s men’s champion. His current team blends experience, with all members having Olympic history under different skips.
Dunstone, a rising star, leads a strong Manitoba squad that’s climbed to the world’s top ranks. The Harnden brothers add a personal layer to this matchup against their cousin.
Both teams navigated a tough trials field, with Jacobs rattling off wins after an early loss. Dunstone earned his final spot through consistent play.
| Team | Skip | Key Players | World Ranking | Recent Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobs | Brad Jacobs | Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, Ben Hebert | 3 | Defending Canadian men’s champion |
| Dunstone | Matt Dunstone | E.J. Harnden, Ryan Harnden, Dustin Kidby | 2 | Strong trials performance with multiple wins |
What’s Next in the Series
Game two happens Saturday night in Halifax, where Dunstone needs a win to force a decider on Sunday. A Jacobs victory ends the series and books their Olympic ticket.
Experts predict another close battle, given the teams’ skills and the event’s intensity. Ice conditions and shot-making will be crucial factors.
Fans can watch live or follow updates as the quest for Olympic representation heats up. This series caps a week of exciting curling action.
Broader Impact on Canadian Curling
This trials outcome shapes Canada’s Olympic hopes, building on a legacy of curling success. Past champions like Jacobs have inspired new generations in the sport.
Recent events, such as the women’s final where Rachel Homan also won game one, show the depth of talent in Canada. The 2026 Games in Italy promise fierce international competition.
Curling continues to grow, with more youth programs and global interest. Wins like this boost national pride and encourage participation.
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