Team Brad Jacobs delivered a masterclass in strategy, precision, and resilience, sweeping the men’s final series to claim gold at the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials, presented by Connect Hearing. The thrilling conclusion unfolded Saturday evening at Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre, as Jacobs’ team outmaneuvered Winnipeg’s Team Matt Dunstone 6-5 in a tense best-of-three matchup, earning nomination to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Skip Brad Jacobs described the triumph as both challenging and exhilarating. “This is hard, this is a grind,” he said. “We knew Team Dunstone would battle, and they did. I’m proud of my teammates for how they performed all week.”
The series reached a decisive moment in the eighth end of the final game. Leading by two points but struggling to maintain control of the scoreboard, Jacobs executed a daring double that required both precision and composure. The shot slightly deflected off his own stone before redirecting to take out Team Dunstone’s counters, ultimately resulting in a three-point advantage for Jacobs and forcing Dunstone to settle for a single.
Turning the Tide
In the ninth end, Team Jacobs opted to surrender a single steal to retain the hammer for the 10th end. Jacobs then delivered a lightweight hit that secured the game-winning point and clinched the Trials victory.
“On that last shot, I was confident as long as I hit the broom with our brushing,” Jacobs remarked. “It was exciting, but I felt in control.”
Spectacular Shotmaking and Teamwork
Jacobs’ performance was nothing short of exceptional, finishing the clinching game with a 91 percent shooting accuracy. Earlier in the match, Jacobs executed a perfectly calculated double in the seventh end to remove Dunstone’s counters without over-rolling, allowing Team Jacobs to take a crucial lead.
Team Dunstone also had moments of brilliance. In the fourth end, they nearly stole two points by sinking wide draws behind cover, forcing Jacobs into a challenging runback that required delicate curling to score even a single. Despite the pressure, Team Jacobs maintained composure and executed the play successfully.
Momentum Shifts
Team Dunstone vice-skip Colton Lott reflected on the turning point: “The fourth end was critical. We had a chance to steal and wrestle back the hammer, but they found a way to score. That was the moment that defined the game.”
The teams exchanged strategic shots in the first few ends. Dunstone applied early pressure without the hammer, while Jacobs capitalized on a light draw attempt by Dunstone in the second end to steal a point. By the sixth end, Jacobs’ finesse and experience were evident, culminating in a draw to the back of the button under cover. Dunstone responded with a precision pick, but Jacobs’ deuce in the seventh began pulling the team ahead decisively.
Olympic Experience and Team Legacy
Team Jacobs brings a wealth of Olympic experience to the 2026 Games. Jacobs previously won gold in 2014. Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert earned gold together in 2010 and represented Canada again in 2018, while Brett Gallant won bronze in 2022 alongside Kennedy as alternate. Gallant will compete in both the men’s and mixed doubles events, paired with his wife, Jocelyn Peterman.
“I’m lucky to have such skilled teammates,” Gallant said. “It’s been years of hard work, and to see it pay off is an incredible feeling.”
Canada’s first men’s game at the Milan-Cortina Olympics is set for February 11, facing Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does winning the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials mean for Team Jacobs?
Winning the Trials secures the team’s nomination to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. It confirms their position as the top men’s curling team in the country for this Olympic cycle.
2. How did Team Jacobs manage to dominate Team Dunstone despite pressure?
Key moments included precise shotmaking in the seventh and eighth ends, strategic hammer management, and consistent teamwork. Jacobs’ experience and composure under pressure were decisive.
3. Which players on Team Jacobs have previous Olympic experience?
Brad Jacobs (gold in 2014), Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert (gold in 2010, Olympic appearances in 2018), and Brett Gallant (bronze in 2022). This collective experience gives the team an advantage in high-pressure matches.
4. When will Team Jacobs play in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Canada’s men’s curling team will face Germany in their first Olympic match on February 11, 2026, with the schedule continuing throughout the games.