News National

Newfoundland’s own Team Brad Gushue will kick off next month’s Boost National in Conception Bay South.

Gushue, who has won 11 Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling titles, and his crew from nearby St. John’s begin their backyard event against Team Yannick Schwaller of Switzerland in the opening round-robin draw Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. NST.

The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling released the full draw schedule of matches Thursday for its fourth event and second major of the season running Dec. 11-16 at Conception Bay South Arena.

Click here to see the full draw schedule

Recent Tour Challenge Tier 1 victors Team Brad Jacobs of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., also hit the ice in the first night of pool play going up against Team Scott McDonald of Kingston, Ont. Jacobs may have a substitute at third for the event after Ryan Fry announced Wednesday he is taking a leave of absence from the team.

Team Glenn Howard of Penetanguishene, Ont., meets Team Jason Gunnlaugson of Morris, Man., while Edmonton’s Team Chelsea Carey leads off the women’s division playing Team Nina Roth from the U.S., and American Jamie Sinclair and her squad face off against Japan’s Team Satsuki Fujisawa to start the event.

The Boost National features 15 of the top men’s teams and 15 of the top women’s teams from around the globe. Both divisions are split into three pools of five teams for round-robin play with the top eight overall qualifying for the weekend playoffs.

Broadcast coverage begins Thursday, Dec. 13 on Sportsnet and online at Sportsnet NOW (Canada) and Yare (international).

Winners of the Boost National collect $30,000 of the $250,000 purse plus 12 Pinty’s Cup points and berths to the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season finale event, the Humpty’s Champions Cup.

Scotland’s Team Bruce Mouat and Winnipeg’s Team Jennifer Jones enter as the defending champions capturing their titles last season in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

Full-event passes are sold out, however, general admission standing tickets are now available. Visit mileonecentre.com or call 709-576-7657 to purchase your tickets today.