The excitement builds as the 2025 Montana’s Brier reaches the final day of round robin play at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, on March 6. With playoff spots still up for grabs, this day promises to deliver thrilling matchups and dramatic outcomes.
Entering this pivotal day, it was revealed by Curling Canada and local reports, including those from KelownaNow, the stakes are incredibly high. While some teams are still fighting for playoff survival, others, like Brad Jacobs’ Alberta rink, have already clinched their spot, boasting an impressive 6-0 record following their 11-5 victory over Sam Mooibroek’s Ontario team.
During their match against Ontario, Jacobs scored multiple points on four separate occasions, including deuces in the first, third, and fifth ends, before sealing the impressive win with five more points during the seventh end. This dominating performance not only showcased their skill but also confirmed their status as one of the favorites as they move forward.
Meanwhile, Matt Dunstone’s Manitoba team, which includes Sault Ste. Marie products E.J. and Ryan Harnden, entered the final day with a solid 6-1 record. Dunstone’s squad earned victories against Nova Scotia and Manitoba’s Reid Carruthers on March 5, pulling them firmly within playoff contention.
"After scoring four points during the seventh end against Nova Scotia, we really broke the game open," noted Dunstone after their 9-3 win. "We felt confident going forward, and it showed on the ice.” This momentum was evident during their match against Carruthers, where Dunstone recovered from trailing 5-4 after six ends to clinch the win with four scores in the eighth.
Team Northern Ontario, skipped by John Epping, also remains fiercely competitive, holding at 5-2 thanks to their recent 9-6 win against Ty Delello from Newfoundland and Labrador. This win was decided through strategic steals, with Epping stealing three points during the second end alone, showcasing their tactical prowess.
On the morning of March 6, the teams faced off with everything on the line. The morning draw featured four teams from Pool B, all with 3-3 records, and each desperately needed to secure victories to grab the third and final playoff spot. Owen Purcell's Nova Scotia team aimed for their fourth win against the winless Northwest Territories, confident yet aware of the high stakes.
Simultaneously, Sam Mooibroek and Team Ontario took on Prince Edward Island, competing fiercely as they both sought to improve their standings. Although Saskatchewan’s Kleiter rink was hoping to reach the three-win mark, they faced the Yukon rink, which, currently at 2-4, remained mathematically alive for playoff advancement.
The competition intensified as Quebec, another three-win team, squared off against Jacobs-Alberta, who were firmly set at 6-0. Despite being the toughest matchup for Quebec, this encounter allowed Jacobs to secure their perfect record going forward.
The afternoon draws were no less significant, with Koe-Alberta set to play against Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia finishing its tournament against New Brunswick. The highlight of the afternoon would be the much-anticipated face-off between Brad Gushue’s Team Canada and the Manitoba rink led by Dunstone. A win for Dunstone against Gushue could potentially lead them to the top of Pool A, as both teams would end the day with 7-1 records, but Dunstone would claim the top spot due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
If both Dunstone and Gushue win their respective matches, it could push Northern Ontario, led by Epping, back against the wall, especially if Epping’s squad were to win against Shane Latimer’s Nunavut team.
Even as the round robin wrapped up, the playoff picture remained foggy until the final shots were made. With Jacobs potentially facing Mike McEwen from Saskatchewan and Quebec still vying for their playoff spot against Jacobs, both confirmed there would be significant playoff ramifications regardless of the outcomes.
The scene at Prospera Place was electric, filled with supporters and competitors alike feeling the tension of what was to come. Each match held potential playoff positioning implications, with all eyes on the ice.
The importance of strategy was palpable as teams took to the ice, and discussions among players revolved around potential outcomes depending on their individual match performances. Curling fans, both present and those watching from home, held their breath, brimming with enthusiasm as the final day progressed.
With the possibility of playoff placements fluctuated frequently, teams engaged with one another and calculated their next moves, showcasing not just skill but also the sportsmanship inherent to the game. "It's always exciting nearing the end, anything can happen," stated Jacobs post-match.
This final day of the round robin will determine the exact playoff contenders, with Jacobs, Dunstone, Epping, and all other competing rinks set to fight tooth and nail for their chance at the championship.
Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff picture becomes clearer, and witness history being written at the 2025 Montana’s Brier!