Canada’s Wheelchair Curling Team Advances to Gold Medal Game at Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics

CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy — Canada’s wheelchair curling team will compete for gold on Saturday at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games following a thrilling 8-7 victory over South Korea in Friday morning’s semifinal. The Canadian team, comprised of skip Mark Ideson, vice-skip/third Jon Thurston, second Ina Forrest, and lead Collinda Joseph, demonstrated resilience in securing the win.

Trailing by two points entering the eighth end without the hammer, Canada executed a strategic play to steal three points and clinch the victory. Skip Mark Ideson played a crucial hit-and-roll to position three stones within the four-foot circle, putting immense pressure on South Korea’s final throw. When Lee Hyeon Chul’s attempt to remove the Canadian stones missed, Canada secured the steal and the win [World Curling].

Dramatic Comeback and Team Spirit

The game saw Canada initially struggle with draw weight and adapting to the ice conditions. A steal of two points by South Korea in the third end highlighted early challenges for the Canadians. However, a precise shot by Ideson in the fourth end saved the end for one point, keeping Canada within reach. Despite South Korea scoring three points in the sixth end, Canada remained determined.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be in a gold-medal game, and to have the win happen the way that it did was how our week has gone,” said Collinda Joseph. “This has been a theme of the week. It just goes to show you our tenacity and our resilience in that last end.”

The team’s ability to execute under pressure was key to their success. Forrest emphasized the importance of Ideson’s final shot, noting his focus and determination after a missed opportunity in the sixth end. The victory was met with enthusiastic support from Canadian fans at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.

Gold Medal Matchup

Canada will face two-time defending champion China in the gold medal game on Saturday at 10:05 a.m. Eastern Time [CBC Sports]. This will be a rematch of the 2022, 2018, and 2014 Paralympic Games semifinals.

Team Canada includes fifth Gilbert Dash, coaches Mick Lizmore and Dana Ferguson, team leader Kyle Paquette, team physiotherapist Sari Shatil, team physician Dr. Steven Macaluso, performance science lead Kyle Turcotte, and family and friends coordinator Wendy Morgan.

South Korea and Sweden will compete for the bronze medal on Friday at 1:35 p.m.

Where to Watch

All of Canada’s games are being broadcast on various platforms by CBC, the official Paralympic rights-holder in Canada. Click here for the CBC broadcast schedule.