Koe and Gushue Aim for a Final Brier Triumph

Kevin Koe, a 51-year-old curling icon from Alberta, is making headlines at the 2026 Brier in St. John’s. With a flawless 6-0 record, he leads Pool B as the tournament approaches the final stages of the round robin. Koe’s impressive performance has garnered attention, particularly from fellow skip Brad Gushue.

Koe and Gushue: A Rivalry Renewed

Gushue, who previously defeated Koe in the 2017 Brier, expressed admiration for Koe’s current form. He remarked, “It’s Kevin being Kevin. It’s fun to see him play well.” Gushue hopes for a rematch, saying, “At the end of the week, I’d love to be playing Kevin again.” However, both skips must navigate a challenging path to reach that point.

Koe humorously acknowledged Gushue’s desire for a showdown. “Battle of the old guys, I guess,” he joked. The two have faced off around 90 times in their careers, and Koe is hopeful for one more meeting this week.

Koe’s Recent Struggles

Koe’s performance over the past couple of years has been mixed. He finished with a disappointing 2-6 record at the Brier two years ago and a 4-4 record last year. Their recent encounter during the Olympic trials saw Gushue narrowly defeat Koe 5-3.

Mentioning the significance of this Brier for Gushue, Koe praised his rival, stating, “He’s the most accomplished curler there is. No one has won more.” Gushue is competing on home ice in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans.

Looking Ahead: Future Steps for Koe

When asked about his future in competitive curling, Koe hesitated to make any commitments. He stated, “No, I don’t think so,” regarding a potential four-year Olympic cycle. Koe prefers to keep his options open, suggesting he may retire without a formal announcement.

He added, “I’ll see how this Brier goes and take it year by year for now.” Koe, a four-time Brier champion in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2019, has consistently been a strong contender, participating in 14 Briers throughout his career. He remains focused on the current tournament, hoping to secure another title.

• Koe’s Brier History:
  • 2010 Champion
  • 2014 Champion
  • 2016 Champion
  • 2019 Champion
  • Two-time Runner-up
• 2026 Brier Record: 6-0 in Pool B

This year’s Brier promises to be a memorable chapter for Koe and Gushue, especially as the stakes rise and the competition heats up. Fans eagerly await the continuation of this storied rivalry.