In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Canada’s Brad Jacobs and his curling team faced a challenging match against Scotland's Bruce Mouat at the world men's curling championship in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on March 31, 2025. The game ended in a nail-biting finish, with Canada narrowly losing 6-5 in an extra end. This defeat marked Canada’s first loss of the tournament, dropping them to a 3-1 record, while Scotland improved to a perfect 4-0, remaining the only undefeated team in the competition.
Canada entered the tournament with high hopes, having previously secured victories against formidable opponents. Their journey continued on April 1, 2025, when they faced Sweden, the reigning world champions, in a critical match. The Canadian side, consisting of Jacobs, third Mark Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert, executed their game plan effectively, earning an 8-6 victory at the Temple Gardens Centre. This win was vital for Canada, as it allowed them to bounce back after their loss to Scotland.
In the match against Sweden, Canada’s strategy focused on making Edin’s team throw challenging shots early in the game. "If you can make them throw hard ones early — tough doubles and tough runbacks — in a morning game, maybe they're not fully awake," remarked Kennedy, highlighting a tactical approach that paid off. The Canadians capitalized on two missed hit attempts by Edin, allowing them to take control of the game.
Despite giving up a steal in the first end, Canada quickly recovered, scoring two points in the second end. Jacobs then held Sweden to a single point in the third before delivering a crucial three-point score in the fourth end. "From there, we just controlled the board," Jacobs explained. The teams exchanged points, but Canada maintained their lead, finishing the game with a hit to secure the win.
Jacobs’ team demonstrated resilience, particularly after their tough loss to Scotland. "We had a really good discussion and debrief after the Scotland game," Jacobs noted. "To be able to come out today with the right energy and just in the right headspace, we've been resilient all season. So that's a big win." This victory not only improved their record to 4-1 but also placed them in a tie for first place in the tournament.
Later that same day, Canada faced Italy's Joel Retornaz in the evening draw, where they continued their winning streak with a 4-2 victory. Jacobs drew for a pair in the fourth end to take a 3-1 lead, and his team finished strong, demonstrating their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
The results from other matches on April 1 were equally significant. China's Xiaoming Xu moved into sole possession of first place after defeating Austria's Mathias Genner 8-7. Meanwhile, American Korey Dropkin faced a tough loss against Czechia's Lukas Klima, losing 7-6 in an extra end. Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz decisively defeated Japan's Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi 11-3, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
As of April 1, the standings revealed a tightly contested field, with Canada and Scotland tied at 5-1, while Sweden held a record of 4-2. The competition was heating up, with Norway’s Magnus Ramsfjell and Switzerland’s Yannick Schwaller also in the mix, both holding records of 4-2. Czechia stood at 4-3, while the Americans fell to 3-3.
The round-robin play is set to continue through Friday evening, with the top six teams from the 13-team field advancing to the weekend playoffs. Canada’s performance thus far has been commendable, and with their momentum building, they are looking to secure a strong finish in the upcoming matches.
The pressure is on as Canada prepares to face Italy again, aiming to solidify their position in the standings. With the crowd’s support and their recent performances, Jacobs and his team are confident in their ability to compete against the best in the world.
As the championship progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches filled with high stakes and intense competition. The Canadian team is determined to reclaim their footing and make a deep run in the playoffs, showcasing the skill and determination that has made them a formidable force in the curling world.
With the next matches on the horizon, all eyes will be on Canada as they strive for victory and aim for the championship title at the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship.
