The Grand Slam of Curling has officially announced the schedule for the 2024-25 season, bringing excitement to the Canadian curling community. The season will feature five premier events held in various cities across the country, showcasing top-tier talent in both men’s and women’s divisions.
The season opener is set for October 1-6, 2024, with the HearingLife Tour Challenge in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This event is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Charlottetown will host a Grand Slam of Curling event. The competition will see 64 teams, split between two tiers, competing at the Bell Aliant Centre. Tier 1 will feature the top teams from around the world, while Tier 2 will consist of teams aspiring to move up to the top level.
Following the Tour Challenge, the series moves to Nisku, Alberta, from November 5-10 for the Co-op Canadian Open. This event is significant as it will be the first major broadcasted curling event from the Silent Ice Center, a facility that only opened in September 2023. The Canadian Open will further solidify Nisku’s presence on the curling map.
Later in November, from the 26th to December 1st, the KIOTI National will take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The event will be hosted at the Mary Brown’s Centre, marking the fifth time St. John’s has welcomed a Grand Slam event, though it’s the first since 2008. The city’s rich curling history adds a layer of prestige to this event.
As the calendar turns to 2025, the WFG Masters is scheduled for January 14-19 in Guelph, Ontario. The Sleeman Centre will serve as the venue, and this event will carry on the legacy of high-profile curling competitions held in Guelph, which last hosted a Grand Slam event in 2010.
The season will conclude with the Princess Auto Players’ Championship, though the dates and location for this event are still to be determined. This event traditionally attracts the season’s best performers, making it a highly anticipated finale to the curling year.
In addition to the event schedule, the curling world has seen some significant team changes ahead of the new season. One of the most notable is the formation of a new team led by Brad Jacobs, who has joined forces with Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert. This powerhouse team is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming Grand Slam events.
These changes come as part of a broader trend of team reshuffling within the curling community, as athletes seek new partnerships to boost their chances of success in the highly competitive Grand Slam circuit. This includes Scott Howard taking over as skip from his father, Glenn Howard, which marks a new chapter for one of Canada’s legendary curling families.
Another key development is Chelsea Carey’s new role as skip for Jennifer Jones’ former teammates, signaling a shift in the dynamics of women’s curling teams. Brendan Bottcher has also taken on a coaching role for Rachel Homan’s team, adding his expertise to one of Canada’s most accomplished curling squads.
These team changes, combined with the anticipation for the upcoming season, have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year in Canadian curling. Fans and competitors alike are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, as the Grand Slam of Curling continues to be a central pillar of the sport in Canada.
As curling remains one of Canada’s most beloved sports, the Grand Slam series not only showcases elite competition but also fosters a sense of community among fans and players. The upcoming season will undoubtedly bring thrilling moments and new champions, contributing to the rich history of curling in Canada.