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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Grand Slam Curling Masters Prepares for Rival Rematch in Medicine Hat
The Grand Slam of Curling's Masters event in Medicine Hat, Alta., is set to ignite with renewed intensity as a growing rivalry takes center stage. Danny Casper's American rink will face off against reigning Canadian champion Matt Dunstone's side in round-robin play, just weeks after their heated contest at the Co-op Invitational in Victoria.
Lively Encounters Spark Curling Rivalry
The animosity between Matt Dunstone's squad and Danny Casper's team reached new heights at last month's Co-op Invitational, where an energetic atmosphere culminated in Dunstone sealing an 8-7 victory with a game-winning shot. Dunstone and teammates Mark Nichols, Ryan Harnden, and Colton Lott celebrated the win with marked excitement, prompting Dunstone to comment to his rivals, "That's when you celebrate, boys, that's when you celebrate." Both teams admit their contrasting emotional approaches add fuel to an emerging rivalry within the competitive curling circuit.
Broadcast Expansion and Ratings Insights
This rivalry has found a wider audience thanks to increased broadcasting efforts. The matchup at the Co-op Invitational was televised in the United States by ESPNU, as Team Casper's third, Luc Violette, noted the intention to "generate as much excitement" as possible. Back in Canada, CBC Sports reported strong viewership for the season-opening Grand Slam event in Victoria—the two Saturday matches averaged 141,000 viewers, while the Sunday final drew 168,000, according to Numeris data. The Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) games also topped the live sports charts on CBC Gem streaming that weekend. Meanwhile, in the United States, ESPN declined to disclose its ratings, and DAZN has joined as a new international broadcast partner through a multi-year deal.
Rule Tweaks: Modifying the Shootout Points Structure
Alongside the on-ice rivalry, tournament organizers have announced a significant adjustment in the competition’s rules. After a round-robin finale between Dunstone and Brendan Bottcher, which decisively shaped playoff advancement and left Team Casper out, Grand Slam organizers decided that teams playing an extra end without hammer would no longer receive a single point for a shootout loss. Broadcaster and high-performance director Brad Gushue commented that he viewed the previous scenario as "smart," but expressed openness to see how the modified rule functions going forward.
Sponsorship and Investment Developments
The business side of the Grand Slam circuit is also evolving. The Curling Group has announced Molson Canadian as the presenting sponsor for the current Grand Slam season and finalized sponsorships for all but one of its events. According to event listings, the Co-op Invitational, P&H Masters, HearingLife National, and the Kioti Players' Cup have secured sponsors, while the GSOC Open is seeking one. In addition, UNA Sports Group is leading a significant investment round in The Curling Group, with UNA’s president David Rader joining its board and CEO Del Wright taking on a board observer role. Relay Ventures is also involved in this investment.
Looking Ahead: Rivalry Renewed and Format Changes Tested
The Masters event begins with round-robin play at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat, starting Tuesday and concluding with the finals on Sunday. The highlighted Dunstone-Casper matchup is slated for Friday night, promising another emotionally charged contest rooted in differing team philosophies. Both the rule tweaks and business partnerships point to an evolving landscape for elite curling, with heightened attention both on and off the ice as the Grand Slam circuit progresses.
Source: cbc.ca.
