A challenging experience awaits the Philippine national men’s curling team next month.
Coach Miggy Gutierrez said this as the Marc Pfister-led Team Philippines get ready for an Olympic Qualification 2025 event in Kelowna, British Columbia, in Canada from December 6 to 19.
“The guys are focusing right now on Olympic trials, so it will be a long month for us before we head to Kelowna for the event,” said Gutierrez.
The tournament serves as the final qualifying tournament for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Pfister’s crew earned their spot by winning the pre-qualifier event in Aberdeen, Scotland last October.
“Very challenging, as this may be the hardest tournament this group has experienced even if they have played against stronger competition,” added Gutierrez.
The top two teams from the meet at Kelowna will qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Joining Marc are Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller, Brayden Carpenter, and alternate Alan Frei.
The team finished unbeaten in a pre-Olympic qualification event at the Curl Aberdeen in Scotland.
“The fact that this is the tournament that determines if our years of struggle is rewarded with heading to the Olympics does in ways affect them as their opponents,” added Gutierrez.
