Team Canada skip Brad Jacobs is ready to take on any and all opponents as the host nation at the BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship kick-offs play in Moose Jaw this weekend.
However, it’s expected to be an uphill battle for a country who hasn’t won a men’s world championship since 2017.
“Other countries in the world have been dominating,” Jacobs told reporters Friday. “We do feel like it’s our turn. It’s our time.”
For Jacobs, it’s his second World Championship appearance.
He’s never won after finishing second in 2013.
“I’m the only guy on our team who hasn’t won a world championship,” Jacobs said. “You can’t get any more hungry than me.”
“We’ve been looking forward to this day for a really long time,” he added.
The challengers
In front of Jacobs and Team Canada are 12 of the world’s best teams.
Scotland skip Bruce Mouat comes into the tournament ranked number one in the world – and is hoping to repeat their performance in 2023 – where they won this tournament.
“It’s quite nice to have that [ranking] on our backs,” Mouat said. “We know if we play well, we’re going to be within touching distance of getting close to the gold medal.”
Also among the challengers are the defending world champion Team Sweden. Led by skip Nikolas Edin, Sweden has won seven of the last 11 tournaments – including a defeat of Jacobs in 2013.
“We’ve [had a] rough season, results wise,” Edin told CTV News. “That for me doesn’t makes a difference at all. But a lot of comments from the outside, they probably expect us not to be winning this time.”
Each team also has an opportunity to clinch a spot for their nation in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Teams qualify based on their results over the past two world championship tournaments.
Team Japan is hoping to earn their birth.
“And to win a medal [here],” skip Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi said. “An Asian men’s team has never medaled [at a worlds]. I want it”
Should Canada qualify for the Olympics next year, Jacobs has already locked himself into November’s Canadian Olympic Trials.
“We know there’s lots on the line and we’re embracing that,” he said. “We’re up for the challenge.”
Ready for action
With play starting Saturday, all teams were eager to get on the ice for real on Friday.
Those not wearing the maple leaf expect a very pro-Canada crowd.
“We’re hoping the crowds get behind all the teams,” Mouat joked. “I know they’re going to have their favorites. But we’re just looking forward to having a lot of fun and enjoying the atmosphere.”
“It’s going to be fantastic,” Edin said. “Saskatchewan is a curling province. So I’m expecting this to be a week to remember.”
Play begins Saturday afternoon.
Canada’s first match is against Team Japan at 2 p.m. They’ll then face Germany Saturday night.
