Tanaka and King Aim to Secure Spot in Brier Curling History

At the upcoming Brier, Canada’s national men’s curling championship, two groundbreaking skips are set to make history. Cody Tanaka and Jayden King are poised to be the first Asian and Black skips, respectively, in the event’s long tradition.

Honoring Diversity in Curling

Cody Tanaka, hailing from Tsawwassen, British Columbia, expressed pride in his accomplishment after his team secured a place in the Brier by winning the provincial championships. “It’s an honor,” he noted during a practice session at the Mary Brown’s Centre.

Jayden King, representing Ontario, is believed to be the inaugural Black skip in Brier history. The 23-year-old from Tillsonburg, Ontario, first encountered curling at age 11 through television. He emphasized his excitement for the competition over the milestone itself, stating, “It feels great … I’m just happy to be here with my team and now get started.”

A Unique Team Composition

• All team members are under 25 years old.
• King’s team features Dylan Niepage, who is deaf and uses cochlear implants.
• The team entered the season ranked 40th in the world but has risen to 18th.

King and his team aspire to leave their mark at the Brier, following their success in the Ontario men’s championship earlier this year.

Legacies and Milestones

This Brier also marks a significant farewell. Celebrated skip Brad Gushue, from St. John’s, will compete for the final time on home ice, making this an emotionally charged event.

The coaching staff showcases a rich curling heritage. Josh Miki, who coaches Tanaka’s team, comes from a legacy of Brier competitors. His grandfather was among the first Japanese players to compete, and his father, Bryan Miki, triumphed in the 2000 Brier.

Efforts Toward Inclusivity

Curling Canada has committed to diversifying the sport, led by Richard Norman, the director of community futures and innovations. Various initiatives aim to promote curling in diverse communities, providing resources to make clubs more inclusive.

Tanaka, drawn to curling for its competitiveness, highlighted formidable opponents like Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba. He aims for a few wins while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the event.

King hopes his “quiet leadership” will motivate his team to reach the playoffs. “We want to be around at the end of the week,” he asserted. The Brier champion will represent Canada at the 2026 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship in Utah.