Jacobs, Homan Lead Canada at Pan Continental Curling

VIRGINIA, Minn. Canada’s top men’s and women’s rinks, skipped by Brad Jacobs and Rachel Homan, opened play Monday at the 2025 United States Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships in Virginia, Minn., with Jacobs’ Calgary rink unbeaten through four roundrobin games and Homan’s Ottawa squad rebounding from an opening loss to sit well-positioned in the women’s pool.

Jacobs, with vice Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert, began the week with a 10-4 victory over China and followed with wins over the Philippines, South Korea and New Zealand to sit 4-0 after four draws. The Canadian men produced a 14-6 turnaround over Korea, then closed the evening with a 7-1 win against New Zealand. Jacobs said the team has been patient and precise and praised Ben Hebert’s play, adding that the event is valuable preparation for the November Olympic trials and for the team’s broader international goals.

Homan’s rink, featuring vice Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew and lead Sarah Wilkes, lost its opening game 11-5 to Japan’s Satsuki Fujisawa after surrendering a five-point third end. The Canadians responded with wins over New Zealand and Mexico and rallied for an 11-9 comeback...