As the Winter Olympics loom, the pressure is on, but Brad Jacobs and his seasoned Canadian curling team are not just embracing it—they’re thriving on it. With the games just around the corner, this veteran squad exudes confidence, focus, and a depth of experience that sets them apart. But here’s where it gets intriguing: in a sport where every stone can shift the tide, how does a team stay grounded amidst the hype? Let’s dive in.
The curling world is no stranger to Team Canada’s men’s rink, led by Jacobs, alongside third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert. All four bring a wealth of Olympic experience to the ice, having navigated the tournament’s highs and lows before. This isn’t their first rodeo, and their collective expertise is their secret weapon. While the competition is fierce, Jacobs and his team are tuning out the noise, focusing instead on their preparation and the unshakable bond they’ve built.
‘Do we care about who the favorite is?’ Jacobs challenges. ‘Not really. After today’s training, I know we’re right where we need to be—at the top. This team works tirelessly behind the scenes, and that’s where our confidence comes from.’ But don’t mistake confidence for complacency. Jacobs is quick to add, ‘This isn’t going to be a walk in the park. The field is stacked, and it’ll come down to who handles the pressure best.’
Hebert echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the stiff competition. ‘We believe we’re among the favorites, but so do three or four other teams. You can’t show up with anything less than your A-game. We’ve faced these teams countless times, and we know what it takes to win.’
Team Jacobs earned their Olympic berth after a thrilling victory over Matt Dunstone in the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials last November. Now, as they prepare for Italy, Jacobs is savoring the calm before the storm. ‘Being home has been a blessing,’ he shares. ‘The excitement is palpable—not just for me, but for everyone around me. My family, my community, they’re all buzzing.’ Yet, amidst the frenzy, Jacobs remains grounded. ‘I’m saying no to distractions, focusing on training, and staying present. But come February 3rd, when we board those planes? That’s when the real excitement begins.’
Reflecting on his 2014 Olympic debut, Jacobs notes how different this journey feels. ‘It’s less chaotic this time,’ he says. ‘My teammates and our shared experience make all the difference. We’re working seamlessly together, and it shows.’ Kennedy adds that their Olympic veteran status allows them to adapt to unique circumstances, like staying outside the main village this time. ‘It’s a change, but we’re prepared,’ he explains. ‘We’ve been here before, so the usual Olympic fanfare doesn’t distract us.’
And this is the part most people miss: Team Jacobs’ success since 2024 isn’t just about skill—it’s about communication. Coach Paul Webster credits their ability to have tough, honest conversations. ‘We’ve built an environment where no question is off-limits,’ he says. ‘That’s how we solve problems other teams can’t. The expectations are sky-high, both individually and as a team.’
As they gear up to face Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz on February 11th in Cortina, one thing is clear: Team Jacobs is ready. But here’s the controversial question: In a sport where experience is king, can their veteran status truly outweigh the unpredictability of Olympic curling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Team Jacobs has what it takes to bring home the gold, or will a younger, hungrier team steal the spotlight?
