Familiar names advance to playoffs at Canadian Olympic mixed doubles curling trials

The Olympic mixed doubles curling trials have been moved up in the schedule this year in an effort to better prepare Canadian curlers for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. Curling Canada made the decision to hold the trials a year earlier to allow teams more time to train and build chemistry before the Games.

Sixteen of Canada’s top mixed doubles teams gathered in Liverpool, N.S. for the trials, with the goal of advancing to the playoffs and ultimately securing a spot in the championship game. However, some surprises occurred along the way, with defending champions Kadriana and Colton Lott being eliminated from playoff contention, as well as Laura Walker and Kirk Muyres, former Canadian champions, also being eliminated.

The top three teams in each pool advanced to the playoffs, with Brittany Tran and Rylan Kleiter, Rachel Homan and Brendan Bottcher, and Jennifer Jones and Brent Laing securing spots in the next round. Tran and Kleiter surprised many by finishing first in their pool with an impressive 6-1 record.

In Pool B, Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant went undefeated to claim the top spot, followed by Lisa Weagle and John Epping, and Jaelyn Cotter and Jim Cotter securing the final playoff spot. Peterman and Gallant, who are husband and wife, have previously won the Canadian title twice and are heading into the playoffs with confidence.

The playoffs are set to begin with the top two teams from each pool facing off for a spot in the 1 vs. 2 game, while the losers drop down to play for a spot in the 3 vs. 4 game. The winners will advance to the final, with a chance to represent Canada at the Olympics.

An important change made by Curling Canada allows Canadian curlers the opportunity to compete in both the four-person and mixed doubles events at the Olympics if they win both trials. This change has been welcomed by fans and curlers alike, giving athletes the chance to showcase their skills in multiple disciplines.

Overall, the mixed doubles curling trials have been filled with excitement and surprises, with teams vying for a chance to represent Canada at the upcoming Olympics. Stay tuned to see which team will come out on top and secure their spot in Milan-Cortina.