The curling world is currently focused on the ongoing 2026 Canadian Masters Championship at the Grande Prairie Curling Centre, where 22 teams from across Canada are competing. This championship has drawn attention not only for the high level of play but also due to a recent controversy surrounding a double-touch infraction.
The double-touch issue first emerged during the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February, when Oskar Eriksson demonstrated a double-touch infraction in a video. This sparked a debate within the curling community, as Marc Kennedy was accused of breaking the rules by touching the granite of the stone after its release.
As the championship unfolds, draw times are set for 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. daily, allowing fans to witness the action live. Notably, Alberta is represented by Kurt Balderston’s rink on the men’s side and Glenys Bakker’s rink for the ladies.
In a recent match, the Canadian team skipped by Matt Dunstone faced a tough defeat, losing 9-6 to Sweden in the men’s world curling championship. This loss adds to the pressure on Team Canada as they navigate the ongoing discussions about the double-touch rule.
Oskar Eriksson commented on the situation, stating, “At our level, just altering a stone by five centimetres on the other side, knowing how little you need to do to make that correction, is also a skill.” He further expressed his frustration, saying, “Evil unfortunately wins sometimes.” This sentiment reflects the challenges faced by players in maintaining the integrity of the game.
On the other hand, Eugene Hritzuk defended the actions of the players involved, asserting, “I don’t think there’s anything in that video that supports the idea that anything very wrong happened.” He emphasized that “curling is a gentlemen’s game,” highlighting the importance of sportsmanship in the sport.
The debate over double-touching in curling is not new and has been examined in the past, but the current controversy has reignited discussions about the rules and their enforcement. As the championship progresses, the implications of this controversy will likely continue to resonate within the curling community.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with players and teams focused on their performance while navigating the complexities of the ongoing debate. The outcome of the Canadian Masters Championship may have lasting effects on how the sport addresses similar issues in the future.
