The Curling Group has revised its travel plans for the upcoming professional Rock League season set to launch this spring. The organization, also known for owning the Grand Slam of Curling series, has opted not to host events in Europe as initially intended. Instead, they will focus on North America for the debut season starting in April.
Nic Sulsky, the CEO of The Curling Group, confirmed the decision, emphasizing the shift to keep the competitions within North America this year. The Rock League will showcase six global franchises, with notable captains like Rachel Homan leading Canada 1 and Brad Jacobs heading Canada 2.
Originally, The Curling Group had proposed events in Canada, the United States, and Europe when unveiling plans for the Rock League last April. However, Sulsky explained that logistical challenges, particularly concerning venue availability, prompted the adjustment to exclude European stops for the time being.
Amid their ambitions to expand the sport globally, Sulsky acknowledged the practical hurdles that necessitated a more focused approach. The rollout of Rock League specifics for the initial two seasons, including team lineups, locations, and dates, is scheduled for mid-December.
Notable team captains from various regions have been announced, such as Bruce Mouat from Scotland, Alina Paetz from Switzerland, Korey Dropkin representing the U.S., and Chinami Yoshida leading the Asia/Pacific team. Each franchise will comprise five male and five female curlers, with more details set to be unveiled following the conclusion of key curling events in November and December.
Sulsky highlighted the significant impact the Rock League is expected to have on the sport, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics, especially in an Olympic year. The upcoming Saskatoon tournament, part of the Grand Slam series, will mark the fourth out of five events in the Olympic season, showcasing the evolution of the competition under The Curling Group’s ownership.
While the series has introduced new elements like wheelchair curling and expanded Tier-2 competitions, challenges such as fluctuating TV ratings and attendance numbers persist. Despite facing scheduling conflicts and competition from other sports events, The Curling Group remains optimistic about the future of curling and the reception of the Rock League among fans and athletes alike.
The Grand Slam season is slated to conclude with the Players’ Championship in Steinbach, Manitoba, from January 6-11, wrapping up a season that has seen both successes and areas for improvement in the evolving landscape of professional curling.