Montana is gearing up for the 2025 Brier, Canada’s premier men’s curling championship, set to take place from February 28 to March 9 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia. The event will be eagerly followed by fans both at the venue and around the country, with comprehensive coverage provided by TSN, including live streaming options available via TSN Direct.
This year’s tournament features 18 competing teams, with many vying for national glory. Teams qualified through their respective provincial championships, with the defending champions, Team Canada, led by skip Brad Gushue, returning to defend their title. Joining them are powerhouse teams like Team Manitoba, skipped by Matt Dunstone, Team Alberta, led by Kevin Koe, and Team Ontario, featuring Sam Mooibroek. Each of these teams brings formidable talent to the ice, promising thrilling competition as they seek to secure the coveted Brier trophy.
On the opening day of play, Dunstone and his team from Manitoba showcased impressive skills, defeating Alberta’s Team Koe with ease, posting a significant 6-2 victory. Dunstone noted, “It’s tough to hide under the radar, ...,” acknowledging the weight of expectations on his team as they compete at the national level.
Gushue, on the other hand, is chasing not just another championship title but also the opportunity to make history. Winning for the fourth consecutive year would make him the first skip to achieve such a feat. After opening with a decisive 9-2 win over Newfoundland and Labrador’s Ty Dilello, Gushue expressed his motivation clearly: "If I had to pick a main motivator this week, it would be making sure we're team Canada in St. John's next year.” This goal reflects the high stakes involved, as not winning could force the team through provincial playdowns next season.
Another notable performance came from Ontario’s Sam Mooibroek, who debuted at the Brier with flair, routing Quebec’s Jean-Michel Menard 11-4. Mooibroek’s strategic plays, including scoring five points on a single turn, were impressive enough to secure the match with plenty of time left. Dilello, making his own debut, described the intensity of the Brier atmosphere, saying, "It was definitely a welcome-to-the-Brier moment ..." as he faced off against seasoned competitors.
With the round-robin play continuing through to March 5, fans are gearing up for key matches, including pivotal contests between top teams. The playoff format will kick off on March 7, featuring qualifiers and semifinals leading to the exciting final match scheduled for March 9, where this year’s champion will be crowned.
The Brier is not just about winning; it carries with it the weight of representing Canada on the world stage. Teams competing this year aspire to seize the opportunity to showcase their skills internationally. Gushue, currently ranked fourth among Canadian teams, emphasized the pressure surrounding the rankings, stating, "We know there’s a lot on the line. We don’t want to have to go through (provincial) playdowns because of the adjustments it would require. Finishing the season strong will solve those problems.”
The stakes are high as the competition progresses. This year’s Brier promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with curling enthusiasts eagerly watching to see which team will secure their place among the legends of the sport.