Kevin Koe, the esteemed 51-year-old curling veteran hailing from Alberta, is showcasing a remarkable performance at the 2026 Montana’s Brier in St. John’s, maintaining an unblemished record thus far. With a flawless 6-0 standing, Koe’s team leads Pool B with two matches remaining in the round-robin stage by Thursday. His exceptional gameplay has garnered attention, notably from fellow experienced skip Brad Gushue, who bested Koe in the 2017 Brier final in St. John’s.
In response to reporters, Gushue praised Koe’s performance, expressing his excitement at the prospect of a potential rematch, highlighting the competitive history between the two. Koe, in good spirits, humorously acknowledged the possibility of a “Battle of the old guys,” emphasizing their long-standing rivalry and the desire for another thrilling encounter.
Despite recent challenges at the Brier, including a 2-6 finish two years ago and a 4-4 result last year, Koe and Gushue faced off at the Olympic trials in November, with Gushue emerging victorious in a closely contested 5-3 match. Koe commended Gushue’s achievements and noted the significance of Gushue’s final Brier appearance on home turf, lauding his remarkable career and success.
Regarding his own future plans, Koe remained non-committal about another four-year Olympic cycle, expressing a preference for a more low-key approach to any decisions. Reflecting on his past successes at the Brier, including four championships and two runner-up finishes, Koe underscored the tournament’s significance to him and his consistent competitiveness over his extensive 14-year participation.
As the competition unfolds, Koe aims to maintain his strong performance, emphasizing the importance of each match in determining his future endeavors in the sport.
