Brad Jacobs Savors Home Time Before Leading Canada at 2026 Winter Olympics
As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy approach, Canadian curling skip Brad Jacobs is embracing a familiar routine: enjoying quality time at home before the intense competition begins. The Sault Ste. Marie native, now based in Calgary with his curling crew, is preparing to don the Canadian colors once again, aiming to lead his team to victory on the world's biggest stage.
Business as Usual Before the Big Stage
For Jacobs and his team, the lead-up to the Olympics mirrors their preparation for major domestic events like the Montana's Brier and the Canadian Curling Trials, both of which they won in 2025. "I'm really enjoying being at home right now," Jacobs said during a recent virtual media session, adorned in his Canadian Olympic jacket. "You know who's really excited for this Olympics is all of the people around me—they're really excited."
The 40-year-old skip noted encounters with enthusiastic supporters at the curling club, gym, and throughout the community, adding that his family—including his wife, kids, in-laws, and mother—are particularly thrilled. "Am I excited? Of course," Jacobs admitted. "But I'm really just trying to enjoy this time at home … and I know I'll be super excited come February."
Team Canada's Olympic Roster and Schedule
Jacobs will be joined by a seasoned squad for the Games, including third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, lead Ben Hebert, alternate Tyler Tardi, and coach Paul Webster. The team, representing the Glencoe Club, kicks off their campaign on Wednesday, February 11, facing Germany's Marc Muskatewitz in the opening match of a demanding round-robin schedule.
The men's team curling discipline features a grueling nine games in 11 days at the historic Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, built in 1956. Here is the full schedule for Team Jacobs (all times Eastern Time):
- Wednesday, Feb. 11 — vs. Germany, 1:05 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 13 — vs. United States, 3:05 a.m.
- Friday, Feb. 13 — vs. Sweden, 1:05 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 14 — vs. Switzerland, 8:05 a.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 15 — vs. China, 1:05 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 16 — vs. Czechia, 8:05 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 — vs. Great Britain, 1:05 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18 — vs. Italy, 8:05 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 19 — vs. Norway, 3:05 a.m.
The playoff rounds follow, with semifinals on Thursday, February 19 at 1:05 p.m., the bronze-medal game on Friday, February 20 at 1:05 p.m., and the gold-medal game on Saturday, February 21 at 1:05 p.m.
Building on Past Success
Jacobs' team enters the Olympics with momentum, having secured victories at key national tournaments. Brett Gallant, a Charlottetown native now living in Chestermere, Alberta, will compete in four-person curling at the Winter Olympics for the second time, bringing valuable experience to the squad. This blend of home comfort and competitive drive sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting Olympic journey for Team Canada.
