Saskatchewan's Brier Dreams End as Both Teams Miss Playoffs
The 2026 Montana's Brier will proceed without either Saskatchewan team in the playoff rounds, as both provincial squads have been eliminated from championship contention following crucial losses in the round robin stage.
McEwen's Saskatchewan Squad Falls Short
Team Saskatchewan skip Mike McEwen experienced only the second playoff miss of his Brier career after his Saskatoon-based team lost 6-3 to Manitoba's Matt Dunstone on Thursday night. This defeat officially eliminated Saskatchewan from playoff contention in the prestigious national curling championship.
The squad, which formed in 2024 and posted impressive 7-1 round robin records in both 2024 and 2025, finished this year's championship with a 5-3 record in Pool B. Despite matching Manitoba rookie Braden Calvert's 5-3 record, McEwen's team lost the tiebreaker due to Calvert's victory over Saskatchewan during Wednesday's round robin play.
McEwen's team features third Colton Flasch, second Kevin Marsh, and lead Dan Marsh. The squad had shown strong performance in recent years, winning silver at the 2024 Brier in Regina and reaching the Page 3 vs. 4 qualifier last year. Prior to representing Saskatchewan, McEwen had made playoffs with Ontario in 2023 and Manitoba from 2016-2022, missing only once in 2021 during that span.
Knapp's Regina-Based Team Also Eliminated
Meanwhile, Kelly Knapp's Regina-based team concluded their 2026 Brier appearance with a 3-5 record, marking their second championship appearance since 2023. The team had improved from their 4-4 performance three years ago but couldn't secure enough victories to advance.
Knapp's squad, which includes third Brennen Jones, second Dustin Kidby, and lead Mat Ring, opened their tournament with a loss to defending champion Brad Jacobs and Team Canada. They bounced back with a victory against Nova Scotia but then suffered consecutive losses to Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
The team showed resilience with wins against Nunavut and one of the Newfoundland and Labrador teams skipped by Nathan Young. However, they couldn't maintain momentum, falling to veteran Brad Gushue's Newfoundland team and Ontario's Jayden King in their final round robin games.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
In Pool A, Brad Gushue finished with a perfect 8-0 record while Brad Jacobs secured second place at 7-1. Jayden King claimed the final playoff spot with a 5-3 round robin record.
Pool B saw Alberta's Kevin Koe dominate with an 8-0 record, while Matt Dunstone finished second at 7-1. Braden Calvert secured the third playoff position with his 5-3 record, edging out McEwen's Saskatchewan team on the tiebreaker.
The playoff round begins Friday with the championship scheduled to be decided on Sunday, but Saskatchewan fans will be watching from the sidelines as both provincial representatives have been eliminated from contention.
