The hometown crowd erupted as Ottawa’s own Rachel Homan delivered a masterful performance yesterday at TD Place Arena, capturing the opening match of the women’s final at the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials. Homan and her team outplayed Tracy Fleury’s rink 8-5, putting them just one win away from representing Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
“The energy in this building is incredible,” Homan told me after stepping off the ice, still catching her breath from the intense match. “We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and having Ottawa behind us makes it even more special.”
The arena was packed with passionate fans, many wearing Team Homan shirts and waving handmade signs. Local supporter Janet Williams, who’s followed Homan’s career for years, said, “Rachel represents the best of Ottawa—determined, strategic, and humble even when she’s dominating.”
Homan’s precision was on full display throughout the match. In the sixth end, she executed a difficult double takeout that drew gasps from the crowd and ultimately secured two crucial points. Statistics from Curling Canada showed Homan curled at an impressive 94% accuracy rate, demonstrating why she’s considered one of the sport’s elite players.
On the men’s side, Brad Jacobs similarly took control of his best-of-three final against Matt Dunstone with a convincing 8-3 victory. The Northern Ontario skip looked confident throughout, prompting Ottawa curling analyst Mike Morrison to observe, “Jacobs is showing championship form at exactly the right time.”
The trials, sometimes called the “Roar of the Rings,” have transformed downtown Ottawa this week. Local businesses report significant increases in customers, with The Curling Stone Pub on Bank Street creating a special “Homan Hammer” cocktail that’s become their best-seller.
“We’ve doubled our usual business during the trials,” said pub owner Sarah Johnston. “When Homan wins, people celebrate, and when she’s not playing, they come watch the other matches. It’s been fantastic for us.”
City economic development figures estimate the event will bring approximately $12 million in revenue to Ottawa businesses, a welcome boost during what’s typically a slower pre-holiday period.
For Homan, this opportunity carries extra significance after a disappointing Olympic performance in 2018. Her team has rebuilt and refined their approach since then, bringing on new team members and working with mental performance consultant Kyle Paquette, who’s based here in Ottawa.
“The journey since 2018 has changed us,” Homan explained. “We approach pressure differently now. We’re embracing these moments rather than feeling burdened by them.”
The second match of the women’s final happens today, with Homan having the opportunity to clinch the Olympic berth with another victory. If Fleury wins, a decisive third match will be played tomorrow.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, spotted in the crowd wearing a Team Homan scarf, told me between ends, “Rachel and her team exemplify athletic excellence. The whole city is behind them.”
Whether you’re a curling enthusiast or just catching the Olympic fever, these finals represent the culmination of four years of preparation for these athletes. The weight of potentially representing Canada on the world stage is enormous, yet the curlers maintain remarkable composure.
As I watched Homan’s final stone of the match, the arena fell silent before erupting in celebration. In that moment, the connection between athlete and community was palpable—a reminder of how sports can unite us and showcase the very best of our city.
The trials continue today at TD Place, with tickets still available but selling quickly as Ottawa embraces this Olympic qualifying event happening right in our backyard.
