Kelly Knapp Returns to National Stage with Team Saskatchewan
Kelly Knapp, the accomplished skip from Regina, is preparing to lead Team Saskatchewan at the 2026 Montana's Brier, marking his second appearance at the prestigious national men's curling championship. Following his victory at the provincial SaskTel Tankard last month in Melville, Knapp enters the competition with heightened confidence and a seasoned perspective.
A Journey of Growth and Achievement
Knapp's path to this year's Brier reflects a significant evolution in his curling career. In 2023, he captured his first provincial title, an experience he describes as surprising and unprecedented. "They were very different feelings," Knapp remarked. "In 2023, I had never done it before, so it was more surprising at that time. I didn't even know if that day would ever come or what that feeling would be like."
This year, however, his approach has shifted to one of cautious optimism, buoyed by a strong season. "We were feeling quite good going in, and it just felt more like a realistic possibility to me," he added. The team's performance on the Saskatchewan Curling Tour, where they won four out of five events, and their playoff qualification at the Grand Slam of Curling's Canadian Open in Saskatoon, have solidified their readiness.
Team Composition and Upcoming Challenges
Knapp will be supported by a skilled lineup, including third Brennen Jones, second Dustin Kidby, lead Mat Ring, alternate Trent Knapp, and coach Brian McCusker. They are set to begin play in Pool A, facing a formidable opponent in defending champion Brad Jacobs and Team Canada, who are fresh off an Olympic gold medal victory.
Notably, a second Saskatchewan team, led by Mike McEwen from Saskatoon, will also compete in Pool B, adding to the provincial representation at the event. McEwen's squad is scheduled to open against the Northwest Territories on Saturday afternoon.
Recent Successes and Strategic Preparation
The Highland Curling Club team, though participating in a limited number of events this season, has demonstrated exceptional prowess. Their success includes victories in multiple Saskatchewan Curling Tour competitions and a notable performance at the Canadian Open, where they defeated three top-20 world teams. "I think that was a really big confidence boost for us to make playoffs in that tough field and just realize the level that our game is at," Knapp explained.
At the provincial Tankard in Melville, Knapp and his team posted an impressive 7-1 round-robin record, with their only loss coming against defending champion Rylan Kleiter. After securing a spot in the final through a playoff win over Kleiter, they clinched the championship in a tense final end, capping off a week where they won nine out of ten games.
This victory builds on Knapp's 2023 triumph, where he went 5-0 to claim the title, underscoring his growing expertise and resilience in high-pressure situations. As the Brier approaches, Knapp and Team Saskatchewan are poised to leverage their recent achievements and team chemistry in pursuit of national glory.
