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Grand Slam events, Brier possible in a bubble format

Curling Canada and the Grand Slam of Curling have received provisional approval from Alberta Health to hold events in a bubble in Calgary in the new year
2019-11-27 Brad Jacobs Canada Cup MB CC
Photo courtesy Michael Burns/Curling Canada

As the calendar approaches 2021, there is potential for multiple events for Brad Jacobs, including a pair of Grand Slam of Curling events.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the final two events of the Grand Slam of Curling season, which are the lone two events on the schedule that were not cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could be played in a ‘curling bubble’ in the new year.

If all goes according to plan, the Players Championship and Champions Cup would be played at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, in Calgary, Alta.

“Exploring the hub city concept allows Sportsnet to support curlers as they return to the game they love, while also the potential to deliver the world-class competition to fans across Canada,” said Rob Corte, Vice President, Sportsnet and NHL Production, in  prepared statement. “The safety and well-being of all those involved, including players, staff and organizers, will be of primary importance as we work hand-in-hand with our partners and health officials to host a safe and responsible event for all.” 

Curling Canada has received provisional approval from Alberta Health and is awaiting approval from the federal government.

The Jacobs rink, which includes third Marc Kennedy, second E.J. Harnden, and lead Ryan Harnden, called the possibility of the tournament being held as “more great curling news” in a social media post.

The two tournaments were cancelled at the end of last season due to the pandemic. The other events on the schedule – the Tour Challenge, Masters, National, and Meridian Open – were cancelled this season as well because of COVID-19.

Earlier this week, Curling Canada announced a condensed schedule for this season, which will see the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Tim Hortons Brier, World Men’s Curling Championship, and Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in 2021 also be held in a bubble in Calgary.

“No one can deny that these are challenging times, and not just for curling, obviously, but we also know how important these events are to the athletes, to our partners and, of course, to our fans,” said Katherine Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada, said in a release. “It is thanks largely to the commitment of our business partners that we are able to have ambitions of holding some of our events, giving the best curling fans in the world something to look forward to in the new year. The support from the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta also was appreciated, as they share our aspirations of making these events happen as safely and responsibly as possible.”

Dates for all of the events have not been set at the time of writing.


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Brad Coccimiglio

About the Author: Brad Coccimiglio

A graduate of Loyalist College’s Sports Journalism program, Brad Coccimiglio’s work has appeared in The Hockey News as well as online at FoxSports.com in addition to regular freelance work with SooToday before joining the team full time.
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