Saskatchewan's Championship Hopes Dashed in Kelowna
The province of Saskatchewan's lengthy championship drought at the Tim Hortons Brier continues after Team McEwen was eliminated from playoff contention on Friday, March 7, 2025. The Saskatchewan representatives fell to Manitoba's Team Dunstone in a crucial matchup at the Canadian men's curling championship in Kelowna, British Columbia.
A Costly Mistake Proves Decisive
Skip Mike McEwen described the team's performance as featuring "a catastrophic error" that ultimately cost them the game and their chance at ending Saskatchewan's 45-year championship dry spell. The emotional weight of the loss was visible on McEwen's face as he reacted to shots during the critical match against the Manitoba squad.
The defeat marks another disappointing chapter in Saskatchewan's quest for Brier glory. The province last claimed the Canadian men's curling championship in 1980, creating one of the longest active droughts in the competition's history. This year's tournament represented another missed opportunity for Saskatchewan curling fans who had hoped Team McEwen could break the streak.
Playoff Picture Shifts After Elimination
With Saskatchewan now out of contention, the playoff landscape at the Brier has shifted dramatically. Team Dunstone from Manitoba advances while Saskatchewan players and supporters are left to process another season ending short of the ultimate prize. The tournament continues through the weekend at the Kelowna venue, where a new Canadian champion will be crowned.
McEwen's team had shown promise throughout the competition before the decisive loss. Their elimination underscores the fine margins in elite curling, where single mistakes can determine a team's fate in the pressure-filled playoff environment of Canada's premier curling event.
