Ben 🥌
@hoppecurls.bsky.social
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US Contributor for Rock Channel and the Grand Slam of Curling
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https://linktr.ee/hoppecurls
US Contributor for Rock Channel and the Grand Slam of Curling
Read my latest 👇
https://linktr.ee/hoppecurls
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Complementary curling: Dropkin, Thiesse find balance with each other
Thiesse will bring the calm; Dropkin will bring the fire. And together, the two aim to make a statement and bring some hardware back to Duluth.
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
After qualifying for the semifinals, Cory Thiesse talked about the impact of Korey Dropkin's positive energy.
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
With the win today, Cory Thiesse will be the first American woman to medal in curling.
February 9, 2026 at 9:59 PM
With the win today, Cory Thiesse will be the first American woman to medal in curling.
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse are teammates from the 218 area code in Duluth.
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
USA, Sweden set to clash for Olympic curling gold after memorable semifinals
When mixed doubles was first added to the Winter Olympic curling programme in 2018, it promised a fast version of the sport filled with drama, excitement, and unpredictability. And on a Monday in the ...
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse are teammates from the 218 area code in Duluth.
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
With the win today, Cory Thiesse will be the first American woman to medal in curling.
February 9, 2026 at 9:59 PM
With the win today, Cory Thiesse will be the first American woman to medal in curling.
Wranå/Wranå vs Thiesse/Dropkin
Northern United vs Frontier Curling Club
I thought @rockleague.bsky.social didn't start until April?
Northern United vs Frontier Curling Club
I thought @rockleague.bsky.social didn't start until April?
February 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Wranå/Wranå vs Thiesse/Dropkin
Northern United vs Frontier Curling Club
I thought @rockleague.bsky.social didn't start until April?
Northern United vs Frontier Curling Club
I thought @rockleague.bsky.social didn't start until April?
Reposted by Ben 🥌
The Olympics website has USA throwing yellow rocks against Sweden.
In a gold medal game at the Olympics.
Where have we seen this before?
In a gold medal game at the Olympics.
Where have we seen this before?
February 9, 2026 at 7:39 PM
The Olympics website has USA throwing yellow rocks against Sweden.
In a gold medal game at the Olympics.
Where have we seen this before?
In a gold medal game at the Olympics.
Where have we seen this before?
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse are teammates from the 218 area code in Duluth.
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
USA, Sweden set to clash for Olympic curling gold after memorable semifinals
When mixed doubles was first added to the Winter Olympic curling programme in 2018, it promised a fast version of the sport filled with drama, excitement, and unpredictability. And on a Monday in the ...
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse are teammates from the 218 area code in Duluth.
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
Korey Dropkin chose the sheet A yellow rocks 2, 1, and 8 in the semifinal against reigning Olympic and world champion Italy.
My semifinal recap:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/usa-swe...
The curling fans in Cortina have been electric, and they paid their respect to the United States after that game.
Incredible environment from the Italian fans. Men's and women's play is going to be amazing.
Incredible environment from the Italian fans. Men's and women's play is going to be amazing.
February 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM
The curling fans in Cortina have been electric, and they paid their respect to the United States after that game.
Incredible environment from the Italian fans. Men's and women's play is going to be amazing.
Incredible environment from the Italian fans. Men's and women's play is going to be amazing.
THE UNITED STATES WILL GO FOR GOLD!
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin defeat the reigning Olympic and world champions, and they will take on Sweden tomorrow.
The USA will be bringing home their first ever medal in the mixed doubles discipline.
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin defeat the reigning Olympic and world champions, and they will take on Sweden tomorrow.
The USA will be bringing home their first ever medal in the mixed doubles discipline.
February 9, 2026 at 6:44 PM
THE UNITED STATES WILL GO FOR GOLD!
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin defeat the reigning Olympic and world champions, and they will take on Sweden tomorrow.
The USA will be bringing home their first ever medal in the mixed doubles discipline.
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin defeat the reigning Olympic and world champions, and they will take on Sweden tomorrow.
The USA will be bringing home their first ever medal in the mixed doubles discipline.
Stefania Constantini has nerves of steel. With hammer, she has been so incredibly precise in this semifinal match.
February 9, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Stefania Constantini has nerves of steel. With hammer, she has been so incredibly precise in this semifinal match.
Excellent note from Tyler George:
Korey Dropkin will be throwing the 2, 1, and 8 yellow rocks from Sheet A.
The area code for Duluth, Minnesota where Cory and Korey reside? 218.
Korey Dropkin will be throwing the 2, 1, and 8 yellow rocks from Sheet A.
The area code for Duluth, Minnesota where Cory and Korey reside? 218.
February 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Excellent note from Tyler George:
Korey Dropkin will be throwing the 2, 1, and 8 yellow rocks from Sheet A.
The area code for Duluth, Minnesota where Cory and Korey reside? 218.
Korey Dropkin will be throwing the 2, 1, and 8 yellow rocks from Sheet A.
The area code for Duluth, Minnesota where Cory and Korey reside? 218.
30 minutes out from the semifinals of Olympics mixed doubles curling.
2021 world champions Great Britain vs 2024 world champions Sweden
2023 world champions USA vs 2025 world and 2022 Olympic champions Italy
The Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is going to be electric.
2021 world champions Great Britain vs 2024 world champions Sweden
2023 world champions USA vs 2025 world and 2022 Olympic champions Italy
The Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is going to be electric.
February 9, 2026 at 4:35 PM
30 minutes out from the semifinals of Olympics mixed doubles curling.
2021 world champions Great Britain vs 2024 world champions Sweden
2023 world champions USA vs 2025 world and 2022 Olympic champions Italy
The Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is going to be electric.
2021 world champions Great Britain vs 2024 world champions Sweden
2023 world champions USA vs 2025 world and 2022 Olympic champions Italy
The Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is going to be electric.
Reposted by Ben 🥌
With the playoff field finalized, six teams are heartbroken. This was a loaded field, and every eliminated curler deserves all of the support and love from those inside and out of their countries. The curling community is amazing, the time to prove that fact is now.
February 8, 2026 at 8:35 PM
With the playoff field finalized, six teams are heartbroken. This was a loaded field, and every eliminated curler deserves all of the support and love from those inside and out of their countries. The curling community is amazing, the time to prove that fact is now.
After qualifying for the semifinals, Cory Thiesse talked about the impact of Korey Dropkin's positive energy.
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
Complementary curling: Dropkin, Thiesse find balance with each other
Thiesse will bring the calm; Dropkin will bring the fire. And together, the two aim to make a statement and bring some hardware back to Duluth.
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
After qualifying for the semifinals, Cory Thiesse talked about the impact of Korey Dropkin's positive energy.
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
"It's so fun. We complement each other so well, and I need that out on the ice, and he needs that to be at his best."
My Cory & Korey feature: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/complem...
Korey Dropkin to reporters after qualifying for semifinals: "It feels amazing. This is where we wanted to be. It's a journey to get here."
My latest for @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social @rockchannelcurl.bsky.social
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/canada-...
My latest for @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social @rockchannelcurl.bsky.social
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/canada-...
Three teams qualify, Canada eliminated as Milano Cortina 2026 mixed doubles playoff finalized
The international curling superpower of Canada will have to wait another four years for a chance to return to the podium in mixed doubles.
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Korey Dropkin to reporters after qualifying for semifinals: "It feels amazing. This is where we wanted to be. It's a journey to get here."
My latest for @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social @rockchannelcurl.bsky.social
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/canada-...
My latest for @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social @rockchannelcurl.bsky.social
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/canada-...
Recapping a wild Sunday evening in Cortina.
Who is in, who is out, and what we'll find out tomorrow 👇
Who is in, who is out, and what we'll find out tomorrow 👇
The playoff picture is finalized in the mixed doubles field at #MilanoCortina2026.
Canada will not be one of the teams taking part.
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) dives into what's been a hectic tournament so far:
https://bit.ly/4aAUeiO
Canada will not be one of the teams taking part.
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) dives into what's been a hectic tournament so far:
https://bit.ly/4aAUeiO
Three teams qualify, Canada eliminated as Milano Cortina 2026 mixed doubles playoff finalized
The international curling superpower of Canada will have to wait another four years for a chance to return to the podium in mixed doubles.
bit.ly
February 8, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Recapping a wild Sunday evening in Cortina.
Who is in, who is out, and what we'll find out tomorrow 👇
Who is in, who is out, and what we'll find out tomorrow 👇
Great note from Nick.
Great Britain won (as Scotland) in 2021.
USA in 2023.
Sweden in 2024.
Italy in 2025.
Great Britain won (as Scotland) in 2021.
USA in 2023.
Sweden in 2024.
Italy in 2025.
All of the remaining teams have won the mixed doubles world championship
February 8, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Great note from Nick.
Great Britain won (as Scotland) in 2021.
USA in 2023.
Sweden in 2024.
Italy in 2025.
Great Britain won (as Scotland) in 2021.
USA in 2023.
Sweden in 2024.
Italy in 2025.
With the playoff field finalized, six teams are heartbroken. This was a loaded field, and every eliminated curler deserves all of the support and love from those inside and out of their countries. The curling community is amazing, the time to prove that fact is now.
February 8, 2026 at 8:35 PM
With the playoff field finalized, six teams are heartbroken. This was a loaded field, and every eliminated curler deserves all of the support and love from those inside and out of their countries. The curling community is amazing, the time to prove that fact is now.
Great Britain and USA will be on opposites of tomorrow's semifinal at 12pm EST. More coming shortly in my playoff tee-up
February 8, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Great Britain and USA will be on opposites of tomorrow's semifinal at 12pm EST. More coming shortly in my playoff tee-up
Korea beats Canada, and Canada will miss the playoffs in mixed doubles for the second consecutive Winter Olympics.
February 8, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Korea beats Canada, and Canada will miss the playoffs in mixed doubles for the second consecutive Winter Olympics.
With their win against Sweden, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin are into the playoffs! They played their best game of the tournament when it mattered the most.
February 8, 2026 at 7:39 PM
With their win against Sweden, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin are into the playoffs! They played their best game of the tournament when it mattered the most.
Potentially a game-saving shot from Korey Dropkin. He has been phenomenal in this game.
Entering this game, Dropkin had the highest shooting percentage of any curler in the field.
Entering this game, Dropkin had the highest shooting percentage of any curler in the field.
February 8, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Potentially a game-saving shot from Korey Dropkin. He has been phenomenal in this game.
Entering this game, Dropkin had the highest shooting percentage of any curler in the field.
Entering this game, Dropkin had the highest shooting percentage of any curler in the field.
Absolutely incredible shot and line call from Cory Thiesse to score three.
The women in this USA-Sweden match are throwing absolutely lights out
The women in this USA-Sweden match are throwing absolutely lights out
February 8, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Absolutely incredible shot and line call from Cory Thiesse to score three.
The women in this USA-Sweden match are throwing absolutely lights out
The women in this USA-Sweden match are throwing absolutely lights out
Isabella Wranå has every single shot in her aresnal. When she is on, she is as good as anyone.
February 8, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Isabella Wranå has every single shot in her aresnal. When she is on, she is as good as anyone.
The playoffs scenarios for mixed doubles curling are incredibly muddy right now. As John points out, a lot has to go Canada's way for them to get in.
Italy versus Great Britain
Sweden vs USA
Switzerland vs Norway
Canada vs Korea
We should have a clearer view after this draw.
Italy versus Great Britain
Sweden vs USA
Switzerland vs Norway
Canada vs Korea
We should have a clearer view after this draw.
It’s a very difficult path ahead for Canada and a lot needs to break right. I believe this is how it needs to all shake down
February 8, 2026 at 5:48 PM
The playoffs scenarios for mixed doubles curling are incredibly muddy right now. As John points out, a lot has to go Canada's way for them to get in.
Italy versus Great Britain
Sweden vs USA
Switzerland vs Norway
Canada vs Korea
We should have a clearer view after this draw.
Italy versus Great Britain
Sweden vs USA
Switzerland vs Norway
Canada vs Korea
We should have a clearer view after this draw.