Russ Howard’s Things to Look Out for at the 2019 Canada Cup of Curling

The CANADA CUP OF CURLING returns to TSN today and curling fans across the nation are geared up for another exciting tournament. It’s a chance for Canada’s top curling teams to display their skills, ambitions, and will to win in Leduc, Alta. TSN’s curling analyst Russ Howard gives fans an idea of what to expect at this year’s tournament, which will sweep viewers off their feet. The competitive pressure within the women’s side For 10 years now, the women’s side has been dominated by two teams – Team Jones and Team Homan. However, both squads are looking up at Tracy Fleury’s and Keri Einarson’s teams in the women’s overall standings, which makes things very interesting heading into the tournament. The focus/pressure will not be on Jones and Homan, but rather on Fleury and Einarson, who will need to come out strong in the Canada Cup to maintain their team’s winning status and excellent play. Team Fleury: Tracy, who took over Keri Einarson’s team from a year ago, has played and won the most during the World Curling Tour. Her team’s strategy: “if you can draw, you can win”, and Tracy can draw anyone. Team Einarson: It’s only been two years since the formation of her squad, but Einarson’s team is young and full of talent, and if this team continues to draw well, winning the tournament is very possible. The men’s side will be completely up for grabs Looking at the men’s side, it is difficult to contemplate who the clear-cut favourite is. Team Jacobs and Team Epping are front runners, but counting out Team Gushue and Team Dunstone is certainly not a smart idea. Team Jacobs and Team Epping previously swapped teammates which will definitely spice things up heading into the tournament. Team Jacobs: Trading away a gold medalist for another gold medalist (Ryan Fry for Mark Kennedy) is very interesting. Kennedy brings a valuable mentality to Team Jacobs. Team Epping: Picking up Ryan Fry will amplify the team’s shooting. This is arguably Epping’s best team he has ever been a part of, along with Matt Camm and Brent Laing. With two wins already, there is a good shot at another tournament win. TSN delivers complete live coverage of the CANADA CUP OF CURLING, which is now underway  on TSN1/3/4. For interview requests throughout the CANADA CUP of CURLING, contact TSN PR.