Brad Jacobs, a veteran skip in the world of curling, has quickly found a new team after announcing his departure from Team Carruthers. Jacobs will be joining forces with third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert for the upcoming season. Kennedy, who formerly played with Brendan Bottcher, made the announcement on social media, expressing excitement at the prospect of playing with a familiar face. Jacobs and Kennedy previously played together from 2019-22, winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles in their first season as teammates.
The decision for Jacobs to join the Alberta-based team came shortly after his announcement of parting ways with Reid Carruthers and his Manitoba-based curling team. This move also coincided with Bottcher’s decision to leave his own team after a two-year stint. Jacobs had initially joined Team Carruthers, which also includes Derek Samagalski and Connor Njegovan, mid-season as a replacement for former third Jason Gunnlaugson. He later became a permanent member of the team and took over as skip, in a role swap with Carruthers in December.
In a statement on social media, Jacobs expressed mixed emotions about leaving Team Carruthers, acknowledging the support and camaraderie he experienced with his former teammates. Team Carruthers had a successful run, including representing Manitoba at the 2024 Brier, and credited Jacobs as a significant factor in their achievements. Despite the challenges of making tough decisions, Jacobs highlighted the warm reception and friendship he received from his former team members.
Jacobs boasts an impressive track record in the world of curling, having previously won the 2013 Brier and the 2014 Olympic men’s curling gold medal with a team from his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. However, he took a break from the sport in March 2020 before making a comeback and eventually finding a new team for the upcoming season. With his wealth of experience and past successes, Jacobs is poised to make a significant impact on his new team, bringing his skills and expertise to the table as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
The addition of Jacobs to the Alberta-based team brings together a formidable lineup, with Kennedy, Gallant, and Hebert forming a strong core alongside the seasoned skip. The chemistry and history between Jacobs and Kennedy, highlighted by their previous success on the ice, could prove to be a valuable asset as they work towards their goals for the upcoming season. With a combination of talent, experience, and teamwork, the team is well-positioned to make waves in the world of curling and compete at the highest levels of the sport.
As the curling community awaits the start of the new season, the announcement of Jacobs joining his new team adds an element of excitement and anticipation. With changes in rosters and teams taking shape, fans are eager to see how these new combinations will fare on the ice. For Jacobs, this new chapter in his curling career brings fresh opportunities and challenges, as he looks to build on his past successes and make his mark once again in the sport he is passionate about.
