Jacobs and Team Alberta Have Flawless Run at Montana’s Brier

Summary:

• Team Alberta has remained undefeated at 5-0 at Montana’s Brier.
• Ben Hebert, Brett Gallant, and Marc Kennedy nicely complemented Jacobs’ leadership.
• The team, coached by Paul Webster, is preparing for the Canadian Curling Trials in November.

The Alberta curling team has once again proven its dominance at Montana’s Brier with a perfect 5-0 start at Prospera Place. 

The Brad Jacobs-led squad mixed combined power, precision, and experience, turning them into an impressive force that helped them defeat Saskatchewan’s Rylan Kleiter 6-3 and Nova Scotia’s Owen Purcell 7-3 on Tuesday. 

Matthew Hall: “A Lesson in Perfection”

Tuesday’s victories made Saskatchewan second Matthew Hall remark, “It’s just a lesson in perfection a little bit out there. They’re making everything.“

Lead Ben Hebert brought his unmatched sweeping strength into the spotlight, while Brett Gallant’s athleticism and sharp shooting worked well at improving the team’s dynamic. 

Vice Marc Kennedy‘s steady hand and strategic mindset set up Jacobs, who has seamlessly transitioned into the role of skip for this Calgary-based team.

Jacobs posted an outstanding 97% accuracy in the first game, leading his team to a 94% overall success rate. 

In the evening draw, he curled at 92%, while the team maintained 91%. Purcell’s squad ended at 87%, slipping to a 2-3 record.

One key moment came in the ninth end against Saskatchewan when Kleiter attempted a double takeout but ended up surrendering a steal. Alberta’s ability to capitalize on small mistakes proved pivotal.

Close to 500 Combined Brier Wins 

“We’ve put a lot of time in to try to improve our game and focus on the areas that matter“, Kennedy noted. “It seems to be working right now.“

In Pool B, Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen leads at 6-0, while in Pool A, Canada’s Brad Gushue remains undefeated at 5-0. Manitoba’s Reid Carruthers (5-1) and Matt Dunstone (4-1) are close behind.

Jacobs’ squad benefits from experience, with nearly 500 combined Brier games wins under their belts. 

We joke around, we’re pretty easygoing. But when we need to flip the switch and compete, no one is more serious.

Coach Paul Webster, who was brought in to guide them toward the Canadian Curling Trials in November, has helped refine their approach. Jacobs, a 39-year-old veteran, has embraced the challenge.

That leads to us coming up with really great solutions and we seem to bounce back in the next event really well. That’s what I like the most.

Kennedy praised Jacobs’ leadership: “Nobody works harder. Nobody puts more into it.“

Even after nearly 700 combined Brier games, the team remains passionate. “We love competing and love challenging ourselves“, Kennedy explained.