CBC Sports' 'That Curling Show' returns as fight to reach Beijing Olympics heats up

It's only September but Canadian curling teams are already fighting for their Olympic lives. 

Starting Wednesday in Ottawa, the first two pressure-packed bonspiels get underway at the RA Centre — three women's teams and two men's teams will earn direct entries into the Olympic trials in Saskatoon, while another four teams will earn spots to a last-chance qualifier in Liverpool, N.S., in late October. 

This is going to be one of the more dramatic few months of curling in Canada, with so much at stake. 

For the first time ever, Canada is entering a Winter Games without having won a medal in the traditional four-person events in the previous Olympics — I know, the country won gold in mixed doubles in Pyeongchang, but not being on the podium in the foursome events was jarring for many. 

There is unparalleled pressure on Canadians throwing granite next year at the Games — a lofty responsibility, but one any curler wearing the Maple Leaf would love to take on. 

CBC Sports is going to be bringing fans extensive curling coverage throughout the season.

That Curling Show, hosted by six-time Scotties champion Colleen Jones and curling reporter Devin Heroux, is returning for a second season.