Broomhead foam issues on hold for Brier, but curlers still fuming

The equipment technology tension that has engulfed the elite curling scene in recent weeks is expected to be put on hold at the Brier in Kelowna, B.C.

All 18 teams in the field have decided they won't use new firmer foams in their broomheads even though the products are approved and within the scope of World Curling rules and regulations.

Many top players are concerned that the new 'black foam' gives sweepers too much control of a delivered stone.

With the national men's championship starting Friday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, B.C., the subject was an unwelcome distraction for athletes ahead of one of the biggest events on the curling calendar.

"We all realized that it would be really a blemish to the Brier if we bring these things out there and you put them in the hands of some of the best sweepers in the world," said Brad Jacobs, who will skip one of two Alberta entries.

The 2014 Olympic champion has been quite vocal on social media in recent days, calling out the Scotland-based World Curling in a series of posts on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

"The entire men's field has collaborated to protect the event's integrity as best we can to prevent this equipment from entering the field of play - A win for all of us!," Jacobs posted in announcing the teams' handshake agreement.

He tagged the sport's world governing body, formerly known as the World Curling Federation, in a followup post.

"However, the equipment issue persists, and it is NOT [expletive] acceptable WCF. Athletes at the highest level are deeply concerned - we need to solve this issue ASAP!"

Defending champion Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador, who won Olympic gold in 2006, also didn't mince words when asked about the foam issue on