Team Dunstone is set for another shot at gold after securing their place in the championship match of the 2025 Montana's Brier. The Kamloops-based skip, Matt Dunstone, led his Manitoba team—comprising Colton Lott, E.J. Harnden, and Ryan Harnden—through an impressive battle against Brad Gushue’s Team Canada rink on Saturday, March 9, 2025. Dunstone's crew clinched the victory with a solid score of 7-4, advancing directly to the final scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
The game was not without its challenges. Initially, Dunstone’s team fell behind, conceding a point to Gushue’s rink early on. Gushue utilized the hammer wisely, taking the lead 2-1 after the second end. Nevertheless, Dunstone and his counterparts rallied back. They seized control of the third end, scoring two points and sending a clear message: they intended to stay competitive until the final stone was played.
From there, the match saw both teams exchanging single points, but it was Dunstone’s strategic plays and accuracy with the rocks during the sixth end where he showcased his tactical prowess, forcing Gushue to settle for only one point. Dunstone’s team then held the hammer going forward, eventually scoring two decisive points during the ninth end, propelling their score to 6-4. A final steal of one point secured the victory for Dunstone as Gushue failed to convert on his last shot.
“I think what’s special about this group is it hasn’t mattered who we’ve played,” Dunstone mentioned post-match. “We bring the best version of ourselves, and we’re really hard to beat.” This sentiment encapsulates the determination of the team, reflecting their previous encounter where they had lost to Gushue’s squad in the gold medal match two years prior.
Adding to the team dynamics, E.J. Harnden joined the squad only last December but has seamlessly integrated, enhancing the team’s performance with notable plays and teamwork. Notably, Ryan Harnden delivered outstanding accuracy, curling at 94%, contributing directly to the overall success.
The anticipation is building as Dunstone prepares for the final against the winner of the semi-final match between Gushue and Brad Jacobs. Jacobs managed to overcome Reid Carruthers’ Manitoba crew earlier on March 9, pulling off a nail-biting 6-5 win. Jacobs, facing off against Gushue again, will enter the rematch with momentum after overcoming challenges earlier in the tournament.
Fans are excited as they make their way to Prospera Place, where crowds have averaged around 5,000 attendees per round throughout the Brier. Dunstone roots extend beyond the ice. Being Kamloops’ own, he expressed gratitude for the local support, highlighting how it boosts his confidence: “I heard a couple of people yelling at me tonight during pre-games, telling me they were there from Kamloops,” he noted, reflecting on the enthusiastic locals watching his performance.
Sunday’s finals at 5 p.m. are expected to be electrifying. Dunstone not only seeks to claim the title but to avenge their previous heart-wrenching loss against Gushue. The stakes are sky-high, but with their current momentum and the ardent support of family and friends from Kamloops, Team Dunstone is ready to bring their best.
With the stage set for nail-biting curling action, fans will witness what promises to be a spectacular culmination of hard work and dedication. Will Matt Dunstone and his team rise to the occasion and take home the gold? Only time will tell, as they look to make history at this year’s Brier.