Recent runners-up Matt Dunstone and Mike McEwen are chasing their first Canadian men’s curling title with victories in Draw 2 in St. John’s on Saturday. Dunstone’s Manitoba team secured a 5-3 win over New Brunswick’s Dean Grattan, while McEwen defeated Jamie Koe of the Northwest Territories 11-5.
Expressing his team’s hunger for a title, Dunstone mentioned that they feel they are making progress with each game they play, having experienced all the significant Canadian curling events. McEwen, who faced early elimination in the 2025 playoffs despite a strong round-robin record, stole crucial points in the fourth and seventh ends for his victory.
Reflecting on his journey back to the Brier, McEwen, 45, emphasized perseverance and overcoming challenges, particularly after knee surgery affecting his confidence. Meanwhile, Kevin Koe and his Alberta rink clinched an 8-2 win over Braden Calvert’s Manitoba team with a notable four-point seventh-end finish.
In another gripping match, Northern Ontario’s Sandy MacEwan secured a 9-8 victory over Yukon’s Thomas Scoffin with a steal in the 10th end. The evening’s Pool A draw saw Brad Gushue and Jayden King each claiming their second wins, with Gushue dominating 10-2 over Nunavut’s Derek Samagalski and King’s Ontario foursome triumphing 8-3 against Prince Edward Island’s Tyler Smith.
Defending Brier and Olympic champion Brad Jacobs rallied back for an 8-6 win over Kelly Knapp’s Regina team, while Jean-Michel Menard of Quebec notched a 7-3 victory against Nathan Young of Newfoundland and Labrador. The action is set to continue on Sunday with three more draws at the Mary Brown’s Centre.
