Brad Gushue finds himself on the brink of elimination at the 2026 Montana’s Brier in St. John’s, after suffering a tough loss to Manitoba’s Matt Dunstone. The match concluded with a score of 7-5 during the crucial 1-2 qualifier game. With this defeat, Gushue’s Team Newfoundland and Labrador faces a must-win situation against Team Ontario later tonight.
Gushue’s Path to Potential Elimination
Gushue emphasized the challenge ahead during his post-game interview. “Now we’re on our face and can’t afford to lose any more games,” he remarked. Despite the daunting circumstances, he remained hopeful. He referenced last year’s performance by Brad Jacobs and his team, suggesting that a comeback is still within reach.
The turning point of the match occurred in the tenth end. Gushue was leading 5-4 and aimed to execute a strategic shot to secure a guard over the hog line. Unfortunately, his shot came up short, allowing Dunstone to capitalize and score three points, sealing the victory.
Key Match Moments
- Gushue scored two points in the second end, establishing an early lead.
- By the fourth end, Team Newfoundland and Labrador led 3-1.
- Dunstone rallied, scoring two points in the fifth to tie the game.
- Gushue regained the lead briefly before Dunstone equalized again in the seventh end.
- In the ninth end, Dunstone blanked, carrying the hammer into the final end.
Dunstone expressed his excitement about competing in St. John’s. He mentioned that the moment he learned the Brier would be hosted there, he was driven to win against Gushue. “In curling, oftentimes there aren’t home and away teams. Today, we had one,” he stated, reflecting on the unique atmosphere of the event.
Upcoming Matches
Meanwhile, in another matchup, Alberta’s Kevin Koe defeated Team Canada’s Brad Jacobs with a score of 7-4. Koe remains undefeated and is set to compete in the 1 vs. 2 game on Saturday for a chance at the finals. Jacobs will face Manitoba’s Braden Calvert in a must-win situation tonight.
Looking ahead, Dunstone and Koe will clash on Saturday, with the winner earning a spot in Sunday’s championship final. The stakes are high, and every match will determine the path to victory at the Brier.
