Exciting Start to Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Trials in Liverpool, N.S.

The Canadian mixed doubles curling trials kicked off in Liverpool, N.S., with an intense opening draw that saw Jennifer Jones and Brent Laing narrowly edge out Jessica Zheng and Victor Pietrangelo 6-5. Jones and Laing secured their victory with a deuce in the eighth end, showcasing their skill and composure under pressure.

Meanwhile, Rachel Homan and Brendan Bottcher dominated their early game, defeating Paige Papley and Evan Van Amsterdam with a convincing 8-2 scoreline in just six ends. Laura Walker and Kirk Muyres also delivered a strong performance, scoring three crucial points in an extra end to secure an 8-5 win over Anne-Sophie Gionest and Robert Desjardins. Brittany Tran and Rylan Kleiter also emerged victorious with a 6-3 win over Steve Laycock and Nancy Martin.

As the competition continued with Draw 2, Kadriana Lott and Colton Lott emerged victorious with a 7-2 win over Melissa Adams and Alex Robichaud. Jim Cotter and Jaelyn Cotter also put on a solid performance, defeating Jennifer Armstrong and Tyrel Griffith 9-4. Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman secured an 8-6 victory over Riley Sandham and Brendan Craig, while Lisa Weagle and John Epping narrowly edged out Taylor Reese-Hansen and Corey Chester with an 8-7 win.

The 16-team field is divided into two pools, with the top three teams from each pool advancing to the playoffs set to begin on Thursday. The final showdown is scheduled for Saturday, where the winning duo will earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the upcoming world championship in Fredericton from April 26 to May 3. This championship will play a crucial role in determining the countries that will compete in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina, Italy.

Notably, Canada’s Kaitlyn Lawes and John Morris clinched gold when mixed doubles curling made its Olympic debut at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in South Korea. However, Morris and Homan faced disappointment at the Beijing Games in 2022 when they missed the playoffs.

With two more draws scheduled for later in the day at Queens Place Emera Centre, the competition is heating up as teams vie for a chance to represent their country on the international stage.