Curling set to take centre stage locally

The second event of the Grand Slam of Curling opens Wednesday night as the first draw of The National begins at the Essar Centre.

The first draw of the five-day, 18-team tournament kicks off at 7 p.m.

Sault Ste. Marie’s Brad Jacobs and his team, which includes lead Ryan Harnden, second E.J. Harnden and third Ryan Fry, face Team Kean, skipped by Mark Kean in the opening draw.

The tournament is making its second appearance in Sault Ste. Marie. The inaugural National in 2002 was also held in the city prior to hosting the 2011 World Cup of Curling (which is now known as The Masters).

Defending champion Glenn Howard is also among the teams playing in the opening draw in Wednesday night. Howard is looking for his fifth National win, which would put him first all-time, ahead of Kevin Martin and Wayne Middaugh, who have also won four times.

SooToday will have full coverage of the event, including live blogs and post-game wrap-ups of all of Team Jacobs games throughout the tournament.

To read comments fromBrad Jacobs on this week's event, click here

For a full video interview with Jacobs from Local2's Shaylan Spurway, click here