The 2026-27 curling season kicked off with the Co-op Invitational in Victoria, marking the beginning of the season’s core action. Canadian teams led by Brad Jacobs and Rachel Homan, who clinched Olympic gold and bronze in Italy last winter, remain unchanged. However, the start of a new Olympic cycle has brought significant changes both on and off the ice.
Renowned skip Brad Gushue retired after over 20 years in the sport, leaving behind an impressive legacy that includes six Brier titles, a world championship, and two Olympic medals. Other notable retirements include Sweden’s Nik Edin and Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni, among others.
As the focus shifts to the upcoming 2030 Olympics, several roster alterations have taken place. Notable moves include Mark Nichols joining skip Matt Dunstone’s team, and Kerri Einarson making changes in her lineup after winning the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
In the broadcasting arena, there are new faces as iconic TSN commentator Vic Rauter retired after four decades, while the Grand Slams introduced new play-by-play voices. Additionally, some Grand Slam events will be broadcast on CBC this season.
The Grand Slam season has been condensed before Christmas to accommodate the Rock League, which will feature a unique format with franchises composed of players from different countries. The Rock League will run from January to April, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional curling experience.
The season’s key events include the Scotties, the Brier, and the world championships, with a pause in the Rock League schedule to accommodate these prestigious competitions. The action begins in early January with the mixed doubles worlds, followed by the Scotties and the Brier, leading up to the women’s and men’s world championships.
