TSN's curling experts make their predictions for the Roar of the Rings

The toughest event in Canadian curling is finally here as the Roar of the Rings Olympic Trials start Saturday from the nation's capital. With so many elite teams in the mix, picking a winner is no easy task. Well, TSN's curling experts are going to give it their best shot. Vic Rauter, Cheryl Bernard, Russ Howard, Cathy Gauthier and Bob Weeks are here to make their picks for the big event. 

Take a look at TSN.ca's Roar of the Rings previews: MEN - WOMEN

Vic Rauter's Pick

Men's - Brad Gushue

More than half of the nine teams have a legitimate chance of winning. So what will decide it?  The half shot. A rock in the wrong spot. Too deep or light. So my pick is Gushue who seemingly hasn’t thrown a bad rock since his Brier win.

Women's - Krista McCarville

On the women's side, the big two favourites are obvious. Rachel Homan or Jennifer Jones. But, what about the momentum from winning the Road to the Roar in Summerside in November? A runner up at the 2016 Scotties, trials time just may be the right time for Thunder's Bay Team McCarville.

Cheryl Bernard's Picks

Men's - Kevin Koe

There is no doubt about the talent and experience on this team. But, you need a hot skip to win the big ones and Koe gets up for the big events. It has always been a struggle for him to “rise to the occasion” on the cash spiel circuit. But, when he sees the Tankard or that Maple Leaf, he just has a higher ceiling than most where shot making is concerned.

Women's - Jennifer Jones 

I think their own disappointment with their season last year and not getting to the Scotties will be what they look back on when they stand on the podium, as the catalyst reignited the flame. You can just see it this season, the fire, and desire is back. They are rested and on a roll. Momentum is a beautiful thing. 

Russ Howard's Picks

Men's - Brad Gushue 

Since Gushue’s win at the Brier last season (which had to be a relief), the boys from the rock have been unstoppable! At the Brier, worlds and almost every spiel this fall. 

Women's - Jennifer Jones

Team Jones or Team Homan. It’s a hard one to choose. Both are incredible teams, but only one has that invaluable experience at the Olympics. Jones will win her second Roar of the Rings in a row in Ottawa. My dark horse is lead Dawn McEwen who is playing great right now! 

Cathy Gauthier's Picks

Men's - Brad Gushue 

Last year showed Gushue the strength of all four of his players and the “team”. If he keeps that foremost, this team should prevail.

Women's - Jennifer Jones

The bigger the prize, the better she is. It won’t be a roll-through week, but when she can sniff that carrot towards the end, she is pretty tough to beat. Plus she KNOWS what Olympic gold feels like.

Bob Weeks' Picks 

Men's - Kevin Koe  

This team has the right make up to deliver under the greatest pressure and there's nothing like the trials for pressure. 

Women's - Rachel Homan

While they haven't been off to the best of starts, I sense that this team is geared to peak at just the right time. I think the trials will be their moment.