Did Mike McEwen’s team fall short at the Montana’s Brier?
Yes, Mike McEwen’s quest for a Canadian men’s curling championship came to an end on March 5, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as his team finished with a 5-3 record and was eliminated from playoff contention.
In their final game, McEwen’s team lost to Manitoba’s Matt Dunstone with a score of 6-3. This defeat was particularly significant as it meant that McEwen’s team, which had been tied for third place in Pool B, could not secure a playoff spot due to a head-to-head loss against Braden Calvert’s team, which finished with a better Last Stone Draw rank.
McEwen’s performance at the Brier marks his second consecutive disappointing exit from the tournament. Despite being a seasoned competitor, the pressure of the event seemed to weigh heavily on him, especially as he battled a head cold throughout the competition. McEwen’s team included third Colton Flasch, second Kevin Marsh, and lead Daniel Marsh, all of whom had hoped to break Saskatchewan’s long-standing drought at the Brier.
Saskatchewan has not won a Brier title since 1980, a fact that continues to haunt curling fans in the province. The last championship was captured by the Rick Folk rink, and since then, the province has struggled to reclaim its former glory in the sport.
In addition to McEwen’s struggles, Kelly Knapp’s team also failed to make the playoffs, finishing with a 3-5 record. The final standings in Pool B saw Alberta finishing undefeated at 8-0, while Dunstone’s team secured a strong 7-1 record. Calvert’s team, with a 5-3 record, managed to clinch the last playoff spot, leaving McEwen’s team on the outside looking in.
As the tournament progressed, it became clear that McEwen’s team was facing an uphill battle. The disappointment of the loss was palpable, with reports indicating that McEwen came up well short of the mark in his final shot, leading to frustration among his teammates. Curling fans in Saskatchewan will have to wait at least another year for a chance at a Brier title, as the drought continues.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future plans of McEwen and his team as they reflect on this latest setback. The curling community will be watching closely to see how they regroup and prepare for upcoming competitions.