83 Days Until The Winter Olympics: Curling Finals Deliver Shocking Upset To Team Shuster
The US Curling team of John Shuster was upset Friday, and now is one loss away from losing their chance to return to the Winter Olympics. They must win today to force a third match. This was one of two matches that kicked off on Friday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Â
Winners move on to the International Olympic Qualification Event that then secures a spot in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Men’s Final: Casper Upsets Shuster in a Controversial Thriller
The marquee matchup of the night pitted the powerhouse rink of John Shuster against Danny Casper’s squad. In a game that went down to the wire, Team Casper pulled off a stunning 7-6 victory, but the win wasn’t without its share of debate.
The turning point came in a wild seventh end. Trailing 3-2, Casper executed a hammer shot that resulted in a massive four-point swing. However, the celebration was cut short by a moment of sportsmanship and controversy. Casper’s sweeper, Luc Violette, acknowledged that he had accidentally touched a stationary Shuster stone while sweeping, shifting it slightly.
In a display of curling’s famed spirit, it was left to the opposing skip, John Shuster, to decide the stone’s placement. After a review, Shuster determined the nudged rock wouldn’t have changed the outcome, awarding Casper the full four points. The decision visibly frustrated Shuster’s teammate, Matt Hamilton, and it loomed large as the game progressed.
Shuster’s team clawed their way back, tying the game in the ninth end and setting up a tense finish. But Casper’s rink held their nerve, delivering a perfect final end to clinch the one-point victory.
The loss was the first of the Trials for Shuster’s decorated team, putting them in a must-win situation for Game 2. For Team Casper, it was a monumental win, putting them just one victory away from a major upset and a spot in the international Olympic Qualification Event.
Women’s Final: Peterson’s Rink Takes Commanding Lead
On the women’s side, Team Peterson, led by skip Tabitha Peterson, showcased why they are a dominant force in U.S. curling. They seized control of their series against Team Cousins with a decisive victory in Game 1.
The match remained close until the eighth end, when Peterson delivered a clutch three-point hammer. The shot broke the game open and secured the win, putting her team in a prime position to sweep the series.
Team Cousins, who fought through a tiebreaker just to make the final, now find their backs against the wall once again. They’ll need to rebound quickly to keep their Olympic dreams alive. For the Peterson sisters, Tabitha and Tara, a win tomorrow would mark their second consecutive Team Trials title and send them to the Olympic Qualification Event in December.
Friday, November 14th Results & What’s Next
The action continues Saturday with all three series facing potential conclusions. Shuster and Cousins must win to force a decisive Game 3, while Casper and Peterson look to close out their series and punch their tickets to the next stage of Olympic qualification. The matches will stream live on Peacock and USA Network.
- Men’s Final, Game 1: Team Casper def. Team Shuster, 7-6. (Casper leads series 1-0)
- Women’s Final, Game 1: Team Peterson def. Team Cousins. (Peterson leads series 1-0)
Saturday, Nov. 15
- 3:00 p.m. – Women’s Final, Game 2: Peterson vs. Cousins
- 7:00 p.m. – Men’s Final, Game 2: Shuster vs. Casper
Sunday, Nov. 16 (If Necessary)
- 2:30 p.m. – Women’s Final, Game 3: Peterson vs. Cousins
- 7:00 p.m. – Men’s Final, Game 3: Shuster vs. Casper
