Team Hebert defended its boys’ title with a 5-2 victory over Team Grabow at the Junior Curling Nationals in Bismarck, North Dakota. On the girls’ side, Team Pekowitz earned its first championship by beating Team Berg 5-3. Both winning teams secured spots at the World Junior Championships.
The 2026 Junior Curling Nationals concluded Saturday at the Capital Ice Complex in Bismarck, North Dakota, crowning champions in both boys’ and girls’ divisions, as reported by KFYR-TV. In the boys’ final, defending champions Team Hebert faced local Team Grabow in a tight match. The score was separated by one point after the fourth-end break, but Hebert pulled ahead with a deuce in the eighth end for the 5-2 win, marking back-to-back titles. Team Grabow took silver, while Team McMullin earned bronze. Skip Caden Hebert said, “This is our fourth straight junior national final, two silvers before... to be able to put USA on your back is a super special thing.” Second Benji Paral added, “Anytime you get to represent your country... we’re just going to go out there and give it our best to run it back.” On the girls’ side, Team Pekowitz dominated Team Berg, holding a multi-point lead en route to a 5-3 victory and their first national crown. Team Berg claimed silver and Team Stopera bronze. Skip Julia Pekowitz reflected, “It was so exciting... it was really special, especially with my sister in my last year, to share that moment with the team.” Lead Alexa Pekowitz noted, “This team has had so many ups and downs... so just so much excitement and so much time spent preparing.” Both champion teams will represent the United States at the World Junior Championships.
