The 2026 Montana's Brier, Canada's premier men's curling championship, is set to kick off this Friday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, featuring two teams from Saskatchewan among its competitive field. Mike McEwen and Kelly Knapp will skip the Saskatchewan entries, adding local flair to a tournament that promises intense action and high stakes.
Star-Studded Competition Takes Center Stage
While the Saskatchewan squads draw attention, the event will be dominated by headline-grabbing teams like defending champion Brad Jacobs and his Team Canada, fresh off an Olympic gold medal victory. Jacobs, who secured his first Brier win since 2013 last year, leads a veteran lineup including Regina native Ben Hebert, a five-time Brier champion with two Olympic golds. Their experience and recent success make them a formidable force to watch.
Adding to the drama, six-time Brier champion Brad Gushue is competing in his final Brier on home ice in St. John's. At 45 years old, Gushue aims for a storybook ending, coming off a bronze medal finish last year and a gold in 2024. His team, featuring seasoned players like Mark Nichols and Geoff Walker, is poised to deliver an emotional performance for the local crowd.
Tournament Format and High Stakes
The championship will involve 18 teams split into two pools of nine, each playing an eight-game round robin starting Friday. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the playoff round, beginning March 6, with the champion crowned on March 8. The winner will not only earn the title but also represent Canada at the World Men's Curling Championship in Utah from March 27 to April 4.
Additionally, the victorious squad will return as Team Canada for the 2027 Brier, scheduled for February 26 to March 7 in Saskatoon, adding extra motivation for teams to perform at their best.
Meet the Teams in Pool A
In Pool A, Team Canada, skipped by Brad Jacobs, includes third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, lead Ben Hebert, alternate Mike Caione, and coach Paul Webster. Their combination of youth and experience, coupled with recent Olympic success, positions them as top contenders.
Team Newfoundland & Labrador-Gushue, led by Brad Gushue, features third Mark Nichols, second Brendan Bottcher, lead Geoff Walker, alternate Adam Casey, and coach Jeff Hoffart. Gushue's announcement that this is his last Brier adds a layer of sentimentality to their campaign, with fans eagerly watching for a potential fairytale finish.
Team Ontario, skipped by 23-year-old Jayden King, makes its Brier debut after breaking through in the provincial finals. Ranked sixth on the Canadian Team Ranking System, this young squad from Sudbury includes third Dylan Niepage, second Owen Henry, lead Victor Pietrangelo, alternate Spencer Dunlop, and coach Morgan Lavell, bringing fresh energy to the competition.
Team Saskatchewan-Knapp, led by Kelly Knapp, represents one of the two Saskatchewan entries, with details on their lineup and strategy adding to the regional interest in the event.
As the tournament unfolds, curling enthusiasts can expect thrilling matches, strategic plays, and memorable moments, with Saskatchewan teams aiming to make their mark against national powerhouses.
