Dunstone, McEwen Triumph in Draw 2 at Brier Saturday
In a highly competitive Draw 2 at the Brier on Saturday, two of Canada’s prominent curlers, Matt Dunstone and Mike McEwen, achieved significant victories. Both athletes are on a quest for their first Canadian men’s curling title.
Dunstone and McEwen’s Winning Momentum
Matt Dunstone’s team from Manitoba kicked off its Brier campaign with a 5-3 win against Dean Grattan from New Brunswick. This success marks a crucial step for Dunstone, who has previously finished as a runner-up in both the Brier and the Canadian Olympic curling trials.
“Every time this team steps out onto the ice, we feel like we’re taking steps forward,” Dunstone expressed. He emphasized the team’s readiness, noting their extensive experience in high-stakes curling matches.
On the other hand, Mike McEwen secured an impressive 11-5 victory over Jamie Koe from the Northwest Territories. McEwen, a Brier runner-up in 2024, showcased his skill by stealing two points in the fourth end and three in the seventh end.
McEwen Reflects on Perseverance
At 45 years old, McEwen shared insights on his challenging journey. After undergoing knee surgery, he faced hurdles regaining his confidence on the ice. “It would be a hell of a story,” he remarked, reflecting on his path back to competitive curling.
Other Notable Matches
- Kevin Koe achieved an 8-2 victory over Braden Calvert, highlighted by a four-point seventh end.
- Sandy MacEwan of Northern Ontario narrowly defeated Thomas Scoffin from Yukon 9-8, stealing a decisive point in the 10th end.
- Brad Gushue, a six-time Canadian champion, improved to 2-0 following a commanding 10-2 win against Nunavut’s Derek Samagalski.
- Ontario’s Jayden King also moved to 2-0 after an 8-3 victory over Tyler Smith’s team from Prince Edward Island.
- Defending champion Brad Jacobs triumphed 8-6 against Kelly Knapp’s team, advancing his record to 2-0.
- Jean-Michel Menard of Quebec finished 1-1 with a 7-3 win against Newfoundland and Labrador’s Nathan Young.
As the Brier progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining draws at the Mary Brown’s Centre, where the competition continues to intensify.
