Another year has come and gone at the Montana’s Brier, leaving behind a mix of triumph and uncertainty for the future of Canadian curling. Manitoba’s Matt Dunstone claimed his first-ever Tankard championship in a thrilling final, while curling icon Brad Gushue played his last games in his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Meanwhile, 51-year-old Kevin Koe showcased his enduring talent, proving he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
As the dust settles, questions linger about the trajectory of Canadian men’s curling. With Gushue and E.J. Harnden, now a four-time Brier champion, stepping away from the sport, the landscape looks markedly different. Both players were among the top performers throughout the tournament, emphasizing the talent gap that is becoming increasingly evident.
The Talent Gap in Canadian Men’s Curling
The most significant takeaway from this year’s Brier is the stark separation between elite teams and the rest of the field. While Koe has long been a dominant force, few teams truly challenged the established order this year. Expectations were high for Gushue, Dunstone, and Brad Jacobs to reach the final four, and they did just that, with the fourth team being a question mark until the end.
Although Ontario’s Jayden King and Manitoba’s Braden Calvert made impressive playoff debuts, the reality is that they fell short against the seasoned veterans. In their respective playoff matches—King against Gushue and Calvert against Jacobs—neither young team was able to mount a serious challenge. The experience and skill of the two Brads ensured a controlled game, leaving little room for upset.
With Gushue’s retirement, the future of consistent success among Canadian men’s teams seems to rest on Dunstone and Jacobs. Koe, and possibly McEwen if his team remains intact, occupy the tier below, capable of sporadic success but lacking the consistency required to dominate. The withdrawal of John Epping from the competitive scene further highlights this trend.
A Shift in Age Demographics
This year’s Brier also underscored that curling in Canada remains predominantly an older sport. Among the final four skips, three were over the age of 40, with Koe leading at 51. Dunstone, at 30, was the only skip under 35, reflecting a broader pattern in the sport.
The surrounding rosters echoed this trend, with only three players out of twelve being below 35 years old. While curling often sees players thrive later in life compared to other sports, the age disparity is stark when compared to the international scene. Players like Bruce Mouat of Scotland, who is just 31, have already achieved significant accolades, including multiple championships.
St. John’s: A Perfect Host
St. John’s once again proved to be an exemplary host for the Brier, much like in 2017. The atmosphere was electric, especially when Gushue was on the ice, with sold-out crowds cheering him on. Still, the energy noticeably dipped in the semifinal after his elimination, suggesting a strong connection between local support and performance.
Curling Canada might consider leveraging Gushue’s popularity by involving him as an ambassador for future events. The attendance numbers were impressive, but the emotional investment from the local crowd was even more telling, particularly at venues like The Patch, where unique traditions added a festive flair.
Dunstone’s Long-Awaited Victory
For Dunstone, this championship was a long time coming. After losing in the finals in 2023 and 2025, as well as in the Canadian trials against Jacobs, expectations were mounting. His decisive victory over Jacobs in the semifinal was a significant turning point, setting the stage for his eventual triumph.
His rallying cry, “It’s time to dance!” during the pivotal seventh end will likely become legendary, as it marked a critical momentum shift in the final. The parallels to Gushue’s earlier career, where he too struggled before breaking through in 2017, suggest a bright future for Dunstone in Canadian curling.
As the curling community reflects on the Brier, the focus shifts to the future. While Gushue’s exit signals the end of an era, it also opens doors for new talent to emerge. Dunstone’s breakthrough may herald a rejuvenation in Canadian men’s curling, but the path ahead remains fraught with challenges.
Fans and stakeholders in the sport will be watching closely as the next generation of curlers rises to prominence, hoping to bridge the talent gap and invigorate Canadian curling on the world stage.
What do you think about the current state of Canadian curling? Share your thoughts!
