In game two of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling men’s final, it was Team Dropkin’s turn to start the game with hammer.

After blanking the first end, Dropkin was the first to the scoreboard, making good use of their last rock advantage and manufacturing a score of two by making a draw to the eight-foot.

Team Shuster then blanked the third end before being forced to a single point in the fourth end when John Shuster delivered a draw that was swept the entire way by the front end to outcount four of Team Dropkin’s counters.

Team Dropkin blanked the fifth end to close out the half with a 2-1 lead over Team Shuster.

In the sixth end, the momentum shifted as both teams kept several rocks in play.

Team Shuster sat counting one point in the back of the four-foot and drew a second counter to sit at the top of the four-foot in front of Team Dropkin’s stones that cluttered the back of the house.

Team Dropkin attempted a runback double on their own stone for a chance at a multiple score to put the game away, but Korey Dropkin’s shooter didn’t hit enough of the intended target, resulting in a steal of two for Team Shuster and their first lead of the game.

“In the sixth end, we had a shot for a bundle,” said Korey Dropkin. “It didn’t curl like we thought it would and we gave up a big steal of two. If we make that, we’re looking good to win the game.” 

In the seventh frame, Team Dropkin made a draw against four of Team Shuster’s stones to score a single point and tie the game at 3-3.

After Team Dropkin eliminated Team Shuster’s opportunity to score two by making a double takeout, Team Shuster elected to blank the eighth end and carry the hammer into the ninth end.

Team Shuster’s patience with hammer proved to be beneficial in the ninth end when Team Shuster picked Team Dropkin’s shot stone from the button to score two points and move ahead 5-3.

Team Shuster managed to control the last end of play, forcing Team Dropkin to attempt a challenging run back to tie the game at best. A misfire by Team Dropkin resulted in a victory and revived energy for Team Shuster.

“A couple of friends texted me last night and told me I needed to bring more energy,” said Matt Hamilton, second on Team Shuster. “It’s kind of my role on this team so I wanted to bring that and have some fun tonight.” 

Team Shuster’s 7-3 victory over Team Dropkin evens the series at 1-1.

Team Shuster and Team Dropkin will meet for game three and a berth to the 2022 Olympic Games on Sunday Nov. 21st. If the women’s final goes to game three, the men’s final will be played at 5:00PM CST. If the women’s final does not go to game three, the men’s final will be played at 8:00PM CST.

USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.