Curling news: Next generation of curlers making mark

Emerging International Talent Shaking Up the World of Curling

When veteran curlers Brad Gushue and Mark Nichols walked into the locker room at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard, they were expecting to see familiar faces. However, what they found was a new generation of talent ready to make their mark on the Roaring Game.

Gushue remarked, “We looked around and we didn’t recognize a lot of the faces. A lot of new younger teams are on the scene, especially the international teams.”

The September bonspiel was a showcase of up-and-coming international talent, with many of the men’s and women’s teams in the field regulars on the top-flight Grand Slam of Curling circuit.

A wave of under-30 talent from abroad, led by skips like Switzerland’s Marco Hoesli, Scotland’s Ross Whyte, Italy’s Stefania Constantini, and Sweden’s Isabella Wrana, has brought a fresh perspective to the sport. This influx of young talent has brightened the future of curling but has also highlighted a lack of depth in the next generation of Canadian players.

Four-time world champion Glenn Howard, who is now coaching after retiring as a player, acknowledged the talent of the young international teams, saying, “They’re 20-somethings with a ton of talent.”

Canadian teams no longer dominate the entry lists at Slam stops, with many strong young international rinks challenging their veteran counterparts in the field. The sport is evolving, with skill and talent becoming more important than just experience.

Swedish skip and reigning Olympic champion Niklas Edin emphasized the importance of coaching, strategy analysis, and technique development for young players. He noted that the accessibility of information through streaming and online videos has accelerated the learning curve for aspiring curlers.

With only three Canadian skips in their 20s at the Co-op Canadian Open in Nisku, Alta., the international competition boasts a lower average age among its top talent. The fearless approach of young international teams has caught the attention of seasoned veterans like Howard, who marvel at their strategic boldness.

Curling Canada has revamped its national next-gen program to nurture young talent, but international teams often have different setups due to fewer elite teams in their countries. This has led to increased parity in the sport and elevated the overall level of competition.

Howard expressed excitement about the current state of curling, saying, “The game has never been so good. It’s fun to watch, and it’s going to be interesting to see where it goes in the next 10 years.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 5, 2024.