Curling News Roundup: Olympic Dreams, Military Curlers & a Grand Slam in the U.S.
Curling Culture Is on the Move
From a high school skip chasing Olympic dreams to military curlers sweeping for camaraderie, the curling world was buzzing this week. Add in the first-ever Grand Slam of Curling event on American soil, and you’ve got proof that the sport’s growth and goofy charm are stronger than ever.
U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials Begin in Sioux Falls
The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicks off this week in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials take center ice from November 11 – 16.
Among the biggest storylines: West Fargo high school senior Bailey Vaydich is competing alongside some of the best in the country with Team Johnson, proving that the leap from high-school curler to Olympic hopeful isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
📰 Read more from InForum: Horace senior Bailey Vaydich to go for Olympic glory at U.S. Curling Team Trials.
If you’re watching from your local club this week, consider showing your team spirit with some fresh curling team merch. After all, every playoff push deserves a shirt that says “Skip Happens.”
🎖 GSOC Military Invitational: Where Curling Meets Service
Just before Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, the Grand Slam of Curling hosted its Military Invitational, a heart-warming and humor-filled event that brought together military and civilian curlers for a weekend of sweeping, storytelling, and celebration.
It’s the kind of event that reminds us curling isn’t just about rocks and rings — it’s about connection, community, and a shared laugh over missed draws.
📰 Catch the full story on the GSOC website: GSOC Military Invitational brings curlers together ahead of Remembrance Day and Veterans Day.
If your club runs a similar charity bonspiel or military appreciation night, grab a few of our funny curling shirts — because nothing says team unity like matching tees that make everyone laugh.
For inspiration on event ideas, check out our post, Our Guide to Bonspiel Survival: Snacks, Shirts, and Shenanigans.
🌎 Grand Slam of Curling Lands in the U.S.
For the first time ever, the Grand Slam of Curling hosted an event in the United States, welcoming 32 elite teams from seven nations to South Lake Tahoe. It’s a major milestone for curling’s U.S. expansion and a clear sign the sport is breaking out beyond its northern roots.
📰 Coverage from 98 Online: First Grand Slam of Curling event held in the United States.
This event showcased world-class curling, but also the sport’s growing appeal among new fans discovering just how weirdly social, skillful, and addicting it can be. Perfect timing for anyone stocking up on bonspiel gear or scouting ideas for club merch.
🧊 Why This Week’s Curling News Matters
Every story this week hit one of curling’s sweet spots:
- Growth: Olympic Trials and the GSOC’s U.S. debut show how far curling has come.
- Community: The Military Invitational reminded everyone that curling’s real magic is people.
- Culture: From rink to rec room, curling humor and identity are thriving.
That’s why we keep saying curling is for everyone — and yes, it’s still funny, friendly, and occasionally frosty.
🧭 Stay Connected
Want more curling updates, gear drops, and league-night laughs?
- Follow us on Instagram @CurlingIsFun
- Read more stories on the CurlingIsFun Blog
- Support your local clubs through Curling Canada or World Curling Federation
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