Semifinal-bound Canadians remain undefeated in wheelchair curling

CORTINA, Italy — Canada survived more late drama Wednesday to remain undefeated in wheelchair curling at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Canadians defeated Slovakia 9-6 to improve to seven wins and no losses. Canada had already clinched a semifinal berth before the game and can lock up top spot in the preliminary round by winning one of its two games Thursday.

The Slovakians (3-5) overcame a 0-6 deficit to make it interesting, scoring two in the third end and then stealing points in the fourth, fifth and sixth to tie the game 6-6.

But the experienced Canadian squad, with 14 Paralympic Games between them, calmly added one in the seventh and stole two more in the eighth and final end.

“After a great start we were just battling every end,” said Canadian third Jon Thurston of Dunsford, Ont. “But we had a good response after they tied it and, as we have all week, showed a lot of resilience.”

Also on the ice for Canada were lead Gil Dash of Kipling, Sask., second Ina Forrest of Spallumcheen, B.C., and skip Mark Ideson of London, Ont.

Canada and China (6-1) both clinched berths in Friday’s semifinals after Wednesday morning’s games. The battle is tight for the third and fourth semifinal spots heading into the final day of preliminary play.

Despite being upset by Italy, Sweden remains third at 5-3. South Korea is 4-3, followed by the United States and Italy at 3-4.

Canada closes out the preliminary round Thursday with an afternoon game against South Korea, then faces the United States and its noisy fans in the evening.