Jacobs Faces First Defeat; Homan’s Team Drops to 1-3 in Canada
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed a significant upset in men’s curling as Switzerland’s Yannick Schwaller defeated Canada’s Brad Jacobs 9-5. This defeat marked the first loss for Jacobs and his team during the round-robin stage. The Calgary-based rink included notable players: Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert.
Match Details and Performance
The Swiss team, now with a perfect 4-0 record, capitalized on their opening hammer to secure an early lead. Switzerland consistently scored points in alternating ends, ultimately sealing the victory late in the match.
- Final Score: Switzerland 9, Canada 5
- Canada’s Record: 3-1
- Switzerland’s Record: 4-0
Incidents and Warnings
This match followed a verbal warning issued by World Curling officials regarding inappropriate conduct during a previous game involving Canada. Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson had raised concerns about possible “double-touching” of stones, which led to heated exchanges on the ice.
The situation escalated further when Switzerland accused Canada of similar infractions during the match. World Curling has warned that future misconduct could result in player suspensions.
Challenges for Rachel Homan’s Team
In the women’s draw, Canada’s Rachel Homan faced a tough challenge. She and her teammates, including Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, dropped to a disappointing 1-3 record after a series of close matches.
- Match Results:
- Lost to Great Britain 7-6
- Lost to Switzerland 8-7
Key Performances and Decisions
Homan’s struggles included a game-low 53% effectiveness in her match against Great Britain. She expressed frustration over missed opportunities and controversial decisions, including a rock removal for a double-touch violation against Switzerland.
The Canadian team’s inability to capitalize on early leads has been a recurring issue. They have yet to overcome the hurdles posed by their opponents and will need significant adjustments to improve their standing in the tournament.
Coaching Perspectives
Heather Nedohin, the team’s coach, has faced the challenge of limited bench access during the games. She provided insightful feedback on the team’s dynamics and expressed confidence in their abilities despite the setbacks.
It has been a tough start for the Canadian teams, but with competitive spirits intact, both Jacobs and Homan will look to rebound in their upcoming matches at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
