Canada's wheelchair curling team celebrated a hard-fought victory, defeating Slovakia 4-2 to capture the bronze medal at the World Wheelchair Curling Championship held on March 8, 2025, in Stevenston, Scotland. The game was tightly contested and showcased the determination and skill of the Canadian team, which has secured its place among the top competitors globally.
The match began with Canada taking the lead, scoring one point in the second end, thanks to strategic play and precision rolling. Slovakia quickly retaliated, equalizing the score by the fourth end, but the Canadian team, skipped by Gil Dash from Wolseley, Saskatchewan, would not be deterred.
Following Slovakia's tying point, Canada regained the lead with another point scored in the sixth end. Yet, just as hopes began to rise, Slovakia managed to knot the game up once again during the seventh end, leaving both teams vying for supremacy as they approached the final end.
With skillful execution and teamwork, Canada seized the moment decisively, scoring two points in the eighth and final end. This established their 4-2 victory, allowing them to emerge victorious and clinch the bronze medal.
Entering this matchup, Canada faced the disappointment of a 5-4 loss to China the day before, which had complicated their path to the podium. This loss meant they had to summon their resilience and determination, which they exhibited during the bronze medal match.
While this win was monumental as it not only brought home bronze but also secured Canada’s place at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, the team consisted of skillful athletes dedicated to the sport. They included Jon Thurston from Dunsford, Ontario (Fourth), Doug Dean from Thunder Bay, Ontario (Second), Collinda Joseph from Stittsville, Ontario (Lead), and Chrissy Molnar from Trent Lakes, Ontario (Fifth) alongside their skip, Gil Dash.
“All week long, we came out of the gates firing,” remarked Dash, showcasing the embrace of the moment as he made history leading his team at this championship. “Everybody was playing really well, and even though we had a little bit of a lull during the round robin, we came back up and we beat the reigning World Champions, Norway, to get through to the playoffs. I'm proud of our team, and we all feel very proud to be representing Canada.”
Adding to this accomplishment, Canada not only has the bronze medal but also the honor of securing top qualification points for the upcoming Paralympic Games, alongside host country Italy and China, the reigning world champions.
China showcased their excellence on Saturday as well, cruising past South Korea with a stunning 14-3 victory, securing gold for their team and underscoring their strength throughout the tournament. This result pointed to the competitive nature of the championships and the high standards set by the participating countries.
The performance of the Canadian team has created ripples of positivity across the nation, inspiring many who closely followed their endeavors on the world stage. Looking forward, the focus now shifts toward preparation for the upcoming Paralympics as the athletes aim to continue their competitive streak and improve upon their solid showing at the World Championships.
This victory, rich with experience and future potential, showcases not only the talent but the deeply embedded sportsmanship found within the Canadian identity. With dedication, teamwork, and strategic execution, the Canadian wheelchair curling team has proved themselves worthy competitors, not just earning bronze but etching their names as champions of resilience.
For now, they will relish their win against Slovakia and look confidently toward their next challenge on the horizon.