Canada Advances to Men’s Curling Gold Medal Game at Milano Cortina 2026

Canada’s Team Brad Jacobs secured a spot in the gold medal game of the men’s curling competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, defeating Norway 5-4 in a thrilling extra-end match on Thursday. Sportsnet and CityNews Toronto reported on the victory.

A Tense Semifinal Battle

The match against Norway, skipped by Magnus Ramsfjell, was a closely contested affair, ultimately decided in an extra end. According to National Post, the game was marked by tension and skillful play from both teams. Canada initially took a lead, but Norway fought back, tying the game at 4-4 in the tenth end, forcing the extra end.

Key Moments in the Match

The turning point came in the extra end when Ramsfjell’s attempt at a thin in-off with his final stone glanced off a shot rock, giving Canada the decisive point and the win. Earlier in the game, a crucial hit-and-roll by Jacobs in the third end led to a steal for Canada. Norway managed to draw against three Canadian stones in the fourth end to get on the board. The game featured strategic blanking of ends by both teams, demonstrating a conservative and calculated approach.

Jacobs’ Reflections on the Victory

Brad Jacobs expressed the intensity of the match, stating, “That was probably the most nervous we’ve been as a group in a long time… good back and forth battle… one more big win here and we’d love to come home with gold for Canada.” Sportsnet quoted Jacobs after the game.

Team Performance and Statistics

Canada shot an impressive 88 percent as a team, significantly higher than Norway’s 79 percent. All four Canadian players outperformed their Norwegian counterparts by at least five percent. Ben Hebert, Canada’s lead, led the way with a 91 percent shooting accuracy, compared to Gaute Nepstad’s 78 percent. Hebert praised Jacobs’ performance, calling him “an animal” and “the best player in the world.” Sportsnet reported on Hebert’s comments.

Gold Medal Match Details

Canada will face reigning world champion Team Bruce Mouat of Great Britain in the gold medal game on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET (10:05 a.m. PT). Canada defeated Mouat’s rink 9-5 during round-robin play. The bronze medal game, featuring Switzerland and Norway, is scheduled for Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET.