Curling Canada to review Trials qualifying process

With competitive curling on hold pending a resolution of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a hold is also being put on the qualifying process for the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, presented by AGI, and Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials — the events that will decide Canada’s four-player and mixed doubles teams for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

“The safety of our athletes is our prime consideration and we don’t want to put them under any kind of duress to be trying to participate in events to pursue qualifying points until we know they can do so safely,” said Gerry Peckham, Curling Canada’s Director, High Performance. “Until that time comes, we will look closely at the qualifying process and consult with our athletes to fine-tune the system to make sure it identifies Canada’s most deserving nine men’s and women’s four-player teams and 16 mixed doubles teams.”

Teams that have already qualified for the 2021 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings in Saskatoon won’t be affected, and their berths remain secure. Teams skipped by Toronto’s John Epping and Ottawa’s Rachel Homan qualified by virtue of winning the 2019 Home Hardware Canada Cup, while 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts champion Team Kerri Einarson and 2020 Tim Hortons Brier champion Team Brad Gushue also have qualified for the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings.

As well, teams that have qualified for the 2022 Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials won’t be affected. The duos of Jennifer Jones and Brent Laing, and Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant were the top two teams on the 2019-20 Canadian Mixed Doubles Rankings to earn their berths.