Guide to the 2026 Montana's Brier: Breaking Down Everything You Need to Know About Each Rink
Here is the lineup and detailed insights for each curling rink competing in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, at the 2026 Montana's Brier. The event kicks off on Friday and runs through March 8 at Mary Brown's Centre, promising intense action on the ice.
No Rest for the Champions
Fresh off their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Brad Jacobs and his team are diving straight back into competition. Their reward for representing Canada is not relaxation but the challenge of defending their title at the national championship. This quick turnaround raises questions about potential jetlag and celebration fatigue, but their current form makes them the clear favorites.
Rink Lineups and Analysis
Canada, Team Jacobs
- Club: The Glencoe Club, Calgary
- Lineup: Brad Jacobs (skip), Marc Kennedy (third/vice-skip), Brett Gallant (second), Ben Hebert (lead), Mike Caione (alternate), Paul Webster (coach)
- Qualification: Defending Brier champion
- Insight: As Olympic champions after a 9-6 win over Great Britain's Bruce Mouat, Team Jacobs is performing at the peak of world curling. Their skill and momentum position them as top contenders, though the short recovery time post-Olympics could be a factor.
Alberta, Team Koe
- Club: The Glencoe Club, Calgary
- Lineup: Kevin Koe (skip), Tyler Tardi (third), Aaron Sluchinski (second/vice-skip), Karrick Martin (lead), Jacob Libbus (alternate), Mike Libbus (coach)
- Qualification: Alberta champions
- Insight: Kevin Koe, a four-time Brier champion and two-time world king, brings legendary experience to the ice. At 51, he remains driven to improve on recent national performances, where he finished a combined 6-10 over the past two years. His tenacity and shot-making ability make him a formidable opponent.
B.C., Team Tanaka
- Club: Kamloops and Tunnel Town Curling Clubs, Kamloops and Delta, B.C.
- Lineup: Cody Tanaka (skip), Jared Kolmaya (third), Mitchell Kopytko (second/vice-skip), Coburn Fadden (lead), Sam Husdon (alternate), Josh Miki (coach)
- Qualification: B.C. champions
- Insight: Representing British Columbia, Team Tanaka enters the Brier with regional dominance. Their lineup features skilled players aiming to make a mark on the national stage, adding depth to the competition.
Event Overview
The 2026 Montana's Brier is set to crown Canada's national men's curling champion in a thrilling showdown. With teams like Jacobs, Koe, and Tanaka in the mix, fans can expect high-stakes matches and strategic play. The event not only highlights top curling talent but also showcases the sport's growing popularity across the country.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the competition unfolds in St. John's, offering a premier display of curling excellence.
