Peterman and Gallant won…
In a remarkable display of skill, strategy, and composure under pressure, Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant emerged as the champions of the 2022 Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Olympic Trials, securing their spot in the upcoming Winter Olympics. The duo went undefeated throughout the event, capturing the attention of fans and curling enthusiasts across the country.
The trials, held in early December 2021, were fiercely competitive, as the mixed doubles format has grown in popularity and is now a core event at the Winter Games. The Olympic qualification process for mixed doubles curling is a high-stakes affair, with only one team from each nation earning the right to represent their country at the Olympics. The pressure was immense, but Peterman and Gallant thrived, dominating the competition from start to finish.
Throughout the round-robin stage, the pair showcased their chemistry and precision on the ice. Peterman, a veteran of women’s curling, and Gallant, an accomplished player in men’s curling, quickly found their rhythm as a team. Their ability to communicate effectively, make quick decisions, and execute complex shots under pressure made them a formidable force. They finished the round robin with a perfect 6-0 record, leaving no doubt that they were the team to beat.
In the playoff rounds, the level of competition intensified, but Peterman and Gallant remained unfazed. Their seamless coordination, paired with their unshakeable confidence, allowed them to maintain control of each match. They demonstrated not just technical prowess but also a mental toughness that is essential in mixed doubles curling, where the pace is fast and the margins for error are razor-thin.
The final was a thrilling showdown against the team of Chelsea Carey and Colin Hodgson. The match was a microcosm of the entire trials—high-paced, full of strategy, and requiring nerves of steel. Despite some early pressure from their opponents, Peterman and Gallant stayed focused, executing critical shots in the latter ends to secure a 7-5 victory. This win cemented their status as the Canadian representatives for mixed doubles curling at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
For Peterman and Gallant, this victory was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Both have long histories in the sport, with Peterman having been a key member of Canada’s 2018 Women’s Curling World Championship team and Gallant a seasoned player on the men’s circuit, including a successful partnership with Manitoba’s Jennifer Jones in mixed doubles events. The pair’s individual accomplishments were certainly impressive, but their ability to gel as a team was what truly made them stand out at the trials.
The win also represented a significant milestone for Canadian mixed doubles curling, a discipline that has gained tremendous momentum since its debut in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Canada, with its deep curling tradition, has always been a dominant force in the sport, and Peterman and Gallant’s victory ensured that the nation would continue to be a top contender on the global stage.
As they prepare for the Beijing Games, Peterman and Gallant will face an array of international challengers. However, with their undefeated streak and the experience they have garnered through the trials, they are well-positioned to compete for an Olympic medal. Their victory at the Canadian Olympic Trials not only earned them a place in the Olympics but also solidified their status as one of the best mixed doubles teams in the world.