Team Jacobs returns to rink at Canada Cup

A new-look Team Brad Jacobs will have a fellow Olympian in tow at this week’s Canada Cup as the rink attempts to put recent distractions aside and continue a strong first half of the season.

Marc Kennedy will fill in for third Ryan Fry, who is taking an indefinite leave after his disqualification from a bonspiel last month in Red Deer, Alta. Kennedy, who won Olympic gold in 2010 and returned to the Games this year, was available as a replacement since he’s taking a break from competitive play this season. The veteran left-hander will practise with the team Tuesday at Affinity Place in Estevan, Sask., ahead of a two-game opening day Wednesday.

“It’s the first time Brad will see the rock come out from the other hack,” said Team Jacobs coach Adam Kingsbury. “But outside of that, I think the team is pretty lucky to have someone of Marc’s calibre be willing to step in at a time like this.”

Jacobs, who skipped his team to an Olympic title in 2014, is coming off a win at last month’s Grand Slam stop in Thunder Bay, Ont. Fry announced he would be taking a break from the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.-based team to focus on his “growth and self-improvement.” His decision came after his team was ejected from the Red Deer Curling Classic for what organizers called unsportsmanlike behaviour resulting from excessive drinking. The rest of the men’s field at the Canada Cup includes Regina’s Matt Dunstone, Brad Gushue of St. John’s, Edmonton’s Brendan Bottcher, Calgary’s Kevin Koe, Winnipeg ’s Reid Carruthers and Toronto’s John Epping. Reigning world champion Jennifer Jones headlines the women’s side. Ottawa’s Rachel Homan, Winnipeg’s Alli Flaxey, Edmonton’s Laura Walker, Calgary’s Chelsea Carey, Casey Scheidegger of Lethbridge, Alta., Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., and Winnipeg ’s Darcy Robertson are also in the field.