One of the more intriguing stories of the 2024 Montana’s Brier is the fact that Mike McEwen of Winnipeg, Manitoba is skipping the hometown team from Saskatchewan. Over the years the gold medalist at the 2003 Winter Universiade has participated in nine Briers. In the last three years, McEwen has represented three different provinces, and has had home provincial support over the last two Canadian National Men’s Curling Championships. In 2022, McEwen represented Manitoba, in 2023 represented Ontario in London, and now this year is wearing green and white for a province that is hosting the Brier as it is taking place at the Brandt Centre in Regina.
On Saturday, McEwen’s Team Saskatchewan upset Brad Gushue, the 2006 Canadian Olympic gold medalist from St. John’s, Newfoundland by a score of 7-6. It was the middle part of the game where McEwen took control. With the game tied at two after three ends, McEwen scored two points in the fourth end, and then stole one point each in the fifth and sixth ends to take a commanding 6-2 lead. Saskatchewan is the only team in Pool B with a record of two wins and zero losses. Alberta’s Aaron Sluchinski has a record of one win and zero losses, but did not play on Saturday. On Sunday, McEwen will play two-time world champion Kevin Koe of Calgary, Alberta.
