Trial Favourites Make Immediate Statements on the Ice

The 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials opened in emphatic fashion in Halifax on Saturday, as tournament favourites Rachel Homan and Kerri Einarson delivered commanding performances to set an early tone in the women’s competition. With both rinks showcasing precision, control, and championship composure, the opening draw offered a clear reminder of why these two teams are widely considered front-runners for Canada’s Olympic berth.

Ottawa’s Homan, the two-time reigning Canadian and world champion, wasted no time asserting her dominance. Her rink overwhelmed Manitoba’s Kate Cameron with a decisive 16-5 victory in a match that highlighted both strategic excellence and flawless execution. Meanwhile, Einarson’s team from Gimli, Man., also cruised to a convincing 12-5 win over Halifax favourite Christina Black, effectively silencing the home crowd early in the tournament.

These early results not only reinforced the favourites’ status but also set the stage for what promises to be an intense and closely watched week of elite curling action.

Rachel Homan Delivers a Clinical Performance

Early Control and Tactical Precision

Homan’s rink quickly adapted to the conditions at the Halifax venue, demonstrating strong familiarity with the ice and an aggressive yet controlled approach. A pivotal third end saw Homan draw for three, followed by a four-steal in the fourth, creating a gap that Cameron’s squad could not overcome.

“I felt like we were learning the ice really well in practice and we came out strong,” Homan said following the match. “We were making really precise shots and happy to get an early lead. I think they struggled a little bit with the ice, so thankfully we didn’t have to make too many precise ones later in the game.”

Homan’s lineup — vice-skip Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, lead Sarah Wilkes, alternate Rachelle Brown, and coach Heather Nedohin — demonstrated seamless coordination, characteristic of a team with extensive international and national championship experience. Each player executed their roles efficiently, applying pressure while minimizing errors.

Experience Shines Through

As defending champion and one of the most decorated skips in Canadian curling history, Homan entered the trials with expectations firmly on her shoulders. Her composed performance, however, suggested a team both confident and prepared for the demanding schedule ahead.

Einarson Overpowers Halifax Favourite Christina Black

Strategic Start to Silence the Crowd

Kerri Einarson approached her opening match with a tactical mindset, targeting early momentum to neutralize the enthusiasm surrounding local favourite Christina Black. Steals of two in the first end and four in the second quickly put Black’s rink on the defensive.

“I was actually excited to play Black in the opening draw,” Einarson explained. “You get them on their first game so they don’t get on a winning streak and the crowd behind them. Our plan was just to take the crowd out of it a little early, and we put a lot of pressure on them in the first half of the game.”

A four-time Canadian champion, Einarson finished runner-up to Homan at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts, and this performance signaled her intent to challenge once again for the top spot.

“They’re a great team. We’ve had always really good battles with them. It was good to get off to a good start,” Einarson added.

Other Notable Women’s Results

Strong Openers Across the Field

The afternoon slate saw additional competitive matchups among the women’s teams. Winnipeg’s Kaitlyn Lawes produced a steady 7-4 victory over Corryn Brown of Kamloops, B.C., stealing a deuce in the third end and adding an insurance point in the ninth.

Meanwhile, Edmonton’s Selena Sturmay delivered an 8-2 win against Calgary’s Kayla Skrlik, capitalizing on steals in both the third and seventh ends to comfortably control the match from start to finish. These performances reinforced the depth of talent in the field, even as the favourites seized early headlines.

Men’s Tournament Opens with High Drama

McEwen Edges McDonald in Nail-Biter

The opening draw of the men’s competition shifted the spotlight to intense, tightly contested action. Saskatoon skip Mike McEwen secured a nerve-wracking 6-5 victory over Winnipeg’s Jordon McDonald, clinching the win with a perfectly placed draw to the eight-foot in the 10th end for a game-winning deuce.

Despite the victory, McEwen admitted to leaving key points on the board throughout the match.

“I left a lot of points on the board, personally,” he said. “Had a pretty straightforward shot for three earlier on, another shot on eight where I left him a double that I shouldn’t have left him. So, unfortunately, I didn’t perform like I would have liked to tonight.”

He also reflected on the mental challenge of navigating the trial environment.

“I’ve got to try and keep it light out there. Look up, take pauses. Look around and enjoy it. You’ve got to find a way to enjoy it because it is more intense. Everybody, from the players on the ice to the fans in the crowd, there’s a different level of intensity.”

Gushue, Dunstone and Koe Register Solid Starts

Elsewhere, Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N.L., delivered a confident 11-5 victory against Rylan Kleiter of Saskatoon, setting the tone for what many anticipate to be a strong campaign from the seasoned Olympian.

Winnipeg’s Matt Dunstone followed with a measured 6-3 win over Sudbury’s John Epping, while Calgary’s Kevin Koe outlasted defending Canadian champion Brad Jacobs in a tightly contested 6-5 battle. Koe’s narrow win underscored the highly competitive nature of the men’s field, where even the smallest margin can prove decisive.

The Road to Milan and Cortina

Olympic Stakes Raise the Pressure

The stakes could not be higher at the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials. The winners of the men’s and women’s competitions will earn the right to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy — a goal that adds both prestige and immense pressure to every draw.

With each match carrying potential Olympic implications, the trials demand not only technical brilliance but also mental resilience and consistent shot-making under immense scrutiny.

Early Signs of an Epic Tournament

Depth, Drama and Championship Pedigree

From the dominant displays by Homan and Einarson to the razor-thin finishes in the men’s bracket, the opening day provided a compelling glimpse into what could become one of the most memorable Canadian curling trials in recent years. Veteran champions and rising challengers alike have already begun carving their narratives, with Halifax serving as the stage for curling excellence.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intensifying rivalries, strategic battles, and moments of sheer precision that define the sport at its highest level. For now, the message from the favourites is clear: they have arrived focused, confident, and fully prepared for the pursuit of Olympic glory.