With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, Brad Jacobs and his experienced Canadian curling squad express strong confidence despite expecting stiff competition. The team, which secured its spot by winning the national trials, focuses on internal preparation amid growing excitement. All members bring prior Olympic experience to the event in Italy.
Brad Jacobs, skip of Team Canada’s men’s curling team, leads a veteran lineup including third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert, all of whom have competed at previous Olympics. The squad earned its place at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy, by defeating Matt Dunstone in the final of the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials in Halifax late last November.
Confidence runs high within the group, bolstered by rigorous training and behind-the-scenes efforts. “After the day I had today at the gym and at that practice, I feel like we fit right at or near the top, which is right where I expect us to feel like we fit,” Jacobs said. He emphasized the team’s focus on self-performance over external perceptions of favorites. “Do you think we’re a team who cares about who the favourite is or who people think the favourite is?” he asked.
Yet, the players acknowledge the challenge ahead. “This is a spiel you could play several different weeks and potentially come out with several different winners,” Jacobs noted. “It’s going to come down to who handles pressure the best.” Lead Ben Hebert agreed, stating, “We think we’re one of the favourites, but there’s probably three or four teams that think they’re the favourite. You can’t go in there with your B or C game and expect to win.”
In the weeks before departure on February 3, Jacobs has savored time at home in Sault Ste. Marie, where community support adds to the anticipation. “They’re really excited,” he said of family and locals. “I run into them at the curling club, the gym, in our community.” Compared to his 2014 Olympic debut, this preparation feels smoother, thanks to the team’s shared experience and roles.
The curlers will stay outside the main athlete village with sliders and skiers, a change from past Games. “That’s a little bit where our Olympic experience is going to come in handy,” Kennedy remarked. Coach Paul Webster credits the team’s success since forming in 2024 to open, tough conversations that resolve issues effectively. Team Jacobs opens its schedule on February 11 against Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz in Cortina.
