News National

The Syncrude National is just around the corner and there are a lot of intriguing storylines leading into the third leg of the Grand Slam of Curling.

Here are a few to watch out for as the event kicks off Wednesday in Fort McMurray, Alta.

Is it redemption time for Howard and Martin?

It was odd seeing the Brier lineup this year without Glenn Howard and Kevin Martin in the field but they both came up short in their provincial finals. The previous time neither skip reached the Canadian men’s curling championship stage was back in 2005.

Glenn Howard saw his reign in Ontario come to an end after Greg Balsdon’s team upset the eight-time defending provincial champion with a steal of one in the last end to win 6-5 in the Travelers Tankard final. Over in Alberta, Kevin Koe edged Martin’s team 7-5 to capture the Boston Pizza Cup. 

Expect both Howard and Martin to rebound at the National. Howard, from Penetanguishene, Ont., has had a strong run in the Grand Slam of Curling recently winning three of the past five events and going undefeated in both the Players’ Championship and the Masters in 2013. Martin has won a record 17 Grand Slam events, including four National titles — more than any other skip — and the Edmonton product should have the home-province crowd on his side.

Can Jacobs maintain the momentum from Sochi?

Brad Jacobs’ first test since winning gold at the Olympics comes at the National. Jacobs, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., will make his Grand Slam season debut in Fort McMurray after his team skipped the Masters and the Canadian Open to focus on their bid to represent Canada in Sochi. The team is well aware the bull’s-eye is on them and rightfully so since they not only enter the National with Olympic gold but their last major tournament on home ice saw them run the table posting a perfect 8-0 record at the Canadian Olympic trials. The National could be where Jacobs & Co. capture their first Grand Slam title.

Will Brier champion Koe complete a career Grand Slam?

When Kevin Koe won the Canadian Open in November, the Calgary skip earned his third career Grand Slam of Curling title. He’s now just a National championship away from completing a career Grand Slam. Jeff Stoughton reached the milestone a year ago when he won the National and one has to wonder if it’ll be Koe’s turn this time around. Heading into the event as the Brier champion, and winner of the previous Gram Slam at the Canadian Open in November, Koe should be considered a favourite to win in Fort McMurray.

Could Team Stoughton repeat as champions?

Winnipeg’s Jeff Stoughton started last year’s tournament 0-2 but went on a roll winning six straight to capture the title. Team Stoughton has finished as semifinalists at all three Grand Slams that have taken place since and enter this week’s tournament with a bronze medal from the Brier. 

It’s probably a safe bet to pencil them into a playoff spot at the very least but this is a difficult field featuring the Olympic gold medallists (Team Jacobs), the reigning world champions (Team Edin) and the newly crowned Brier champions (Team Koe). A short turnaround for Koe and Stoughton — they’re both in action Wednesday after completing their final Brier matches Sunday — could also play a factor. Fun fact from the 2013 National: Stoughton defeated Jacobs and Koe in the playoffs before downing Mike McEwen 8-2 in the final.