Saskatchewan Teams Navigate Opening Rounds at 2026 Montana's Brier
The 2026 Montana's Brier, Canada's premier national men's curling championship, commenced on Friday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the two Saskatchewan-based teams, skipped by Mike McEwen and Kelly Knapp, had to wait until Saturday to begin their campaigns in this highly anticipated event.
McEwen's Squad Starts Strong with Convincing Victory
In their opening game of the tournament, Mike McEwen and his Saskatoon-based team delivered a commanding performance, securing an 11-5 victory over Team Northwest Territories, which is skipped by veteran curler Jamie Koe. This win immediately improved McEwen's squad to a 1-0 record in Pool B, setting a positive tone for their round robin journey.
The team, which also includes third Colton Flasch, second Kevin Marsh, and lead Dan Marsh, demonstrated early cohesion and strategic prowess on the ice.
Knapp's Regina Rink Faces Tough Challenge Against Team Canada
Meanwhile, Kelly Knapp and his Regina-based rink encountered a formidable opponent in their first draw, facing off against Brad Jacobs and Team Canada. Jacobs' team is fresh off an Olympic gold medal victory, adding extra intensity to the matchup.
Playing in Pool A, Knapp's squad put up a valiant fight, holding a 4-2 lead through the first five ends. However, the experience and skill of Team Canada ultimately prevailed, with Jacobs securing an 8-6 win. Despite the loss, Knapp's team—featuring third Brennen Jones, second Dustin Kidby, and lead Mat Ring—showed resilience and competitive spirit against one of curling's top teams.
Upcoming Schedule and Tournament Structure
The action continues with critical matchups on Sunday. McEwen's team will take on Alberta's Kevin Koe in the morning draw at 6 a.m. Saskatchewan time, followed by an evening game against Yukon's Thomas Scoffin at 4 p.m.
Knapp's rink will face Nova Scotia's Kendal Thompson at 11 a.m., providing another opportunity to climb the standings in Pool A.
The tournament format features an eight-game round robin that concludes on Thursday night. The top three teams from each nine-team pool will advance to the playoff round, with the champion being crowned next Sunday. This structure ensures intense competition throughout the week as teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages.
As the Brier progresses, all eyes will remain on the Saskatchewan representatives as they navigate the challenges of elite national curling competition.
