Star-studded field set for local World Curling Tour event

28-team field for year two of Sault event features many of the world's top men's teams, including Team Gushue, Team Retornaz and defending champion Team Dunstone

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1 / 1 Team Dunstone celebrates winning the inaugural Soo Curlers Fall Classic on Oct. 29, 2023.

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The field is set for the second annual Fall Classic at the YNCU Curling Centre.

The four-day event, which begins on Oct. 17, will have some new entries this year, including Brad Gushue's Newfoundland and Labrador-based rink, which is the defending Canadian men's champion and features local product E.J. Harnden at second.

Brad Jacobs, who competed in last year's event as part of a team with Reid Carruthers, will be back as well, bringing his new team in tow.

Matt Dunstone and his team with Sault Ste. Marie's Ryan Harnden at lead, will be back to try to defend his 2023 title as well.

"The teams were very positive in their comments about last year's event," Harnden said in a release. "And that's why you're seeing even more big names this year."

Following his win at last year's event, Dunstone said the tournament "totally exceeded expectations."

“This place was jammed,” Dunstone added. “You’ve got the arena-type setting in a curling club. Everybody just did a phenomenal job and set the bar high for tour events around the world now.”

A total of 28 teams are entered in the 2024 tournament, including 12 of the top 20 World Curling teams, and will compete for $106,000 in prize money.

“When you have a strong volunteer base, local and national sponsors support, and great teams, it adds up to success,” tournament chair Al Harnden said.

Soo Curlers Association president Tom McLean added that “the event continues to raise the profile of the local club and helps attract more major tournaments.”

The full list of participating teams includes: