gsoc01

To download a printable version of the HearingLife Canadian Open draw schedule, please click here.

FORMAT

Both divisions are split into four pools of four teams. Each team will play four round-robin games: three against teams within their pool and one crossover game against a team from another pool. Teams from Pool A will face teams from Pool D, and teams from Pool B will face teams from Pool C.

Teams ranked No. 1-4 will play their crossover game against teams ranked No. 13-16 in the opposite pool. Teams ranked No. 5-8 will play their crossover game against teams ranked No. 9-12 in the opposite pool.

Eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals. If necessary, one tiebreaker draw will be played.

Blank Ends: Teams are allowed only one blank end for the whole game. If a second blank occurs, the team will lose the hammer in the next end.

Shootouts: If a game is tied after eight ends during the preliminary round, teams will draw to the button to determine the winner.

Extra Ends: If a game is tied after eight ends during the tiebreakers or playoffs, teams will play an extra end.

Points System: Win in 8 ends or fewer = 3 points; shootout win = 2 points; shootout loss = 1 point; Lose in 8 ends or fewer = 0 points.

Time/Timeouts: Each team will have 30 minutes of thinking time, plus two 90-second timeouts.

QUALIFICATION

TIER 1: Both men’s and women’s divisions will feature 16 teams.

The top 14 teams based on the World Curling team rankings as of Nov. 11 will be invited to participate. The Grand Slam of Curling reserves the right to implement possible sponsors’ exemptions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, in which two spots could be filled at their discretion.

If a team declines its invitation, the next team on the rankings will be invited until the field is complete.

TIER 2: Both men’s and women’s divisions will feature 16 teams.

Upon completion of the Tier 1 field, the next 13 teams based on the World Curling team rankings as of Nov. 11 will be invited to participate. The Grand Slam of Curling reserves the right to implement possible sponsors’ exemptions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, in which three spots could be filled at their discretion.

If a team declines its invitation, the next team on the rankings will be invited until the field is complete.