Recent matches at the 2026 Brier have showcased impressive performances by top curlers. Notably, Matt Dunstone and Mike McEwen secured victories in Draw 2, held in St. John’s.
Dunstone and McEwen Achieve Key Wins at Brier Draw 2
Matt Dunstone’s team from Manitoba marked their first win of the tournament with a 5-3 triumph against Dean Grattan from New Brunswick. This follows Dunstone’s history as the runner-up in the 2023 and 2025 Brier events, as well as the Canadian Olympic curling trials.
Mike McEwen also celebrated a successful match, defeating Jamie Koe from the Northwest Territories with an 11-5 scoreline. The 45-year-old McEwen expressed his determination to reclaim his previous form after undergoing knee surgery during the off-season.
Team Performance Highlights
- Dunstone emphasized the team’s readiness, stating, “Every time this team steps out onto the ice, we feel like we’re taking steps forward.”
- McEwen acknowledged his challenging journey, saying, “If you write a book on it, it would be a book of perseverance.”
- McEwen’s victory included stealing points during the fourth and seventh ends.
Other Notable Matches
The competition featured several other notable games. Kevin Koe’s team from Alberta secured an 8-2 win over Braden Calvert of Manitoba, with a decisive four-point seventh end. Meanwhile, Sandy MacEwan from Northern Ontario narrowly won 9-8 against Yukon’s Thomas Scoffin, stealing the final point in the tenth end.
In evening action, six-time champion Brad Gushue improved to a 2-0 standing with a commanding 10-2 victory over Derek Samagalski from Nunavut. Ontario’s Jayden King also maintained an undefeated record after defeating Tyler Smith from Prince Edward Island 8-3.
Defending champion Brad Jacobs overcame a tough challenge from Kelly Knapp’s Regina team, edging out an 8-6 win to improve to 2-0. Quebec’s Jean-Michel Menard began to find his rhythm, winning 7-3 against Nathan Young from Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in a 1-1 record.
As the Brier continues, anticipation grows for further thrilling matches at the Mary Brown’s Centre.
