Gushue Faces Brier Elimination After Heartbreaking Loss to Dunstone
Brad Gushue is facing elimination in the 2026 Montana’s Brier held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. After losing a critical match to Matt Dunstone from Manitoba, Gushue’s hopes for the championship are hanging by a thread. The match concluded with a score of 7-5, marking a challenging moment for Gushue and his team.
Gushue’s Crucial Loss to Dunstone
The defeat occurred during the 1-2 qualifier game on Friday afternoon. A win would have positioned Gushue just one victory away from the championship match. Instead, he finds himself in a must-win situation against Team Ontario later that evening.
Game Summary
- Gushue initially led the match 5-4 in the 10th end.
- On his final shot, Gushue aimed to place a guard but fell short of the hog line.
- Dunstone took advantage of this error, scoring three points to secure the win.
Reflecting on the game’s turning points, Gushue acknowledged the mistake. “We were just trying to guard the in-turn angle raise,” he stated. He indicated that it was a straightforward shot he usually makes. “Just underthrew it, I guess,” he added, humorously pledging to buy drinks for his teammates for the mishap.
Dunstone’s Memorable Moment
For Dunstone, defeating Gushue in his hometown of St. John’s was a significant achievement. With over 6,000 spectators present, he expressed the excitement of playing as the “away team” in such a vibrant setting. “That’s the moment I wanted,” Dunstone remarked, recognizing the unique circumstances of the match.
Implications for Other Teams
The tournament saw other notable matches, including a win by Alberta’s Kevin Koe, who defeated Brad Jacobs and Team Canada 7-4. Koe remains undefeated and is set to compete in the 1 vs. 2 game on Saturday. Jacobs will face Braden Calvert in another critical matchup that same evening.
Saturday’s anticipated clash between Dunstone and Koe will determine one team’s direct path to the finals. The loser will still have a chance to compete in the semifinal.
