KELOWNA, B.C. — The 2025 Montana's Brier curling tournament kicked off on February 28 with palpable excitement, drawing over 4,000 spectators to Prospera Place. Among the favorites was Team Canada, led by the renowned Brad Gushue, who was aiming for his fourth consecutive Brier title. Gushue's team started strong, defeating Team Newfoundland and Labrador with a decisive score of 9-2, showcasing their skill on the ice.
Gushue, the reigning Canadian men's curling champion, expressed confidence after the match, stating, "I thought our team has really good control of the ice." He noted the team's seamless execution and cohesiveness throughout the game. This victory not only solidified their standing but also put Gushue on the path to potentially earn his spot at the 2026 playdowns.
Reflecting on the atmosphere, Gushue mentioned, "It was great to have such a large crowd for night one of the annual event," indicating how the electrifying atmosphere contributed to his team's performance. The acoustics at Prospera Place made communication with his teammates challenging, yet the energy from the crowd was invigorated his players.
Other matches during the opening evening also saw significant moments. Team Manitoba, led by Reid Carruthers, edged out Team BC with a close score of 6-5, overcoming a spirited comeback from the hometown team. Despite the home crowd's support, BC couldn't secure the win, adding tension and excitement to the night. Meanwhile, Team Dunstone from Manitoba cruised past Team Alberta with another strong performance, finishing 6-2, establishing them as contenders early on.
The tournament's inaugural day wasn't without drama, as the match between Team Northern Ontario and Team New Brunswick needed to go to extra ends. New Brunswick fought hard to tie the match before succumbing to Northern Ontario's clutch final shot, which secured their 1-0 start to the tournament.
Looking toward the future, Gushue emphasized the importance of finishing strong, noting, "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." With the ranking system tightly knit, winning the tournament could secure his team’s berth for next year's event without the stress of provincial playdowns.
Gushue's commitment to success extends beyond this tournament; he is tied with Randy Ferbey for the most Brier titles, each holding six championships. A win at the current Brier would set Gushue apart, making him the first skip to ever achieve four straight crowns. This milestone is more than just personal glory; it’s about creating history and asserting dominance within Canadian curling.
Gushue's strategic focus not only encompasses individual achievements but also the collective goal of his team. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the residency rules which may complicate the team selection for future competitions, stressing the need to avoid unnecessary adjustments. Maintaining the current lineup and succeeding will alleviate these concerns, allowing them to compete effectively at the highest levels.
Action continues on March 1, with four games scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and another batch at 6:30 p.m., keeping fans at the edge of their seats. Following the round-robin play, the tournament will culminate with the finals set for March 9. For those eager to keep track of games and results, the full event schedule is available on the Curling Canada website.
The 2025 Montana's Brier isn't just another tournament; it's the stage where players aim not only for the championship but also for their place within the legacy of Canadian curling. With each throw of the stone and every cheering fan, history is being written one end at a time, and Gushue and his team are determined to etch their names even more prominently on the Brier's storied trophy.