Dunstone Defeats Jacobs in Brier Semifinal, Advances to Championship Game
St. John’s, N.L. – Matt Dunstone’s Manitoba team is one win away from the Canadian men’s curling championship after a 7-3 victory over Brad Jacobs’ team in the semifinal of the Montana’s Brier on Sunday afternoon. Here’s Dunstone’s third final appearance in the last four years. He will face Alberta’s Kevin Koe in tonight’s championship game. The winner will represent Canada at the world championship in Ogden, Utah, from March 27 to April 4 and will similarly gain entry into the 2027 Brier as defending champions. Despite a strong performance and 90% shooting accuracy, Jacobs’ team – fresh off an Olympic gold medal – fell short in their bid to repeat as national champions. Jacobs expressed pride in his team’s effort, noting they “can walk away from this Brier, holding our heads really high,” and celebrating their recent Olympic win.
Dunstone Dethrones Olympic Champs, Advances to Brier Final
St. John’s, N.L. – Matt Dunstone’s Manitoba squad delivered a stunning 7-3 victory over Brad Jacobs’ Olympic gold medal-winning team in the semifinal of the Montana’s Brier on Sunday afternoon.
Olympic Hangover? Jacobs Falls Short of Brier Repeat
Jacobs, Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert, still riding the high of their recent Olympic triumph in Cortina, Italy, saw their quest for a Brier repeat fall short. The team navigated a whirlwind week, battling jet lag, travel fatigue, and illness, ultimately proving insufficient against a determined Dunstone.
Despite outcurling Dunstone’s team with a 90% accuracy compared to 88%, Jacobs couldn’t secure the win. A missed blank attempt in the fifth end tied the game 2-2, and a crucial missed draw in the tenth end sealed their fate.
Did you grasp? Brett Gallant faced a unique challenge, competing in both mixed doubles at the Milan Cortina Games with his wife Jocelyn Peterman and then joining Jacobs for men’s team curling.
Dunstone’s Third Final in Four Years
Manitoba’s Dunstone is now poised for a shot at his first Canadian men’s curling championship, heading into his third final in the last four years. He will face Alberta’s Kevin Koe in the championship game.
The winner will not only claim the coveted Brier title but also earn the right to represent Canada at the Men’s World Championship, scheduled for March 27 to April 4 in Ogden, Utah. The champion will secure automatic entry into the 2027 Brier in Saskatoon as the defending champion.
A Tale of Two Teams: Experience vs. Opportunity
Jacobs acknowledged the difficulty of immediately transitioning from Olympic glory to the demanding Brier competition. “I’m happy it’s over,” Jacobs stated. “We tried. There’s nothing else we could do. We played hard all week.”
He emphasized the team’s pride in their performance, stating, “You can walk away from this Brier, holding our heads really high. Guess what? We still are Olympic gold medallists.”
For Dunstone and vice Colton Lott, this final represents a significant opportunity to claim their first national men’s crown. E.J. And Ryan Harnden, members of Dunstone’s team, have previously tasted Brier success, with E.J. Having won three titles and Ryan one.
Pro Tip: Maintaining momentum after a major championship is a significant challenge for athletes. The physical and mental demands of peaking for one event can leave teams vulnerable in subsequent competitions.
Jacobs’ Legacy and Dunstone’s Pursuit
The semifinal matchup held a unique history, as Jacobs previously defeated Dunstone in both the Brier final and the Olympic trials last year. Jacobs, along with Kennedy and Hebert, are two-time Olympic gold medallists, having previously won in 2010 (Kennedy and Hebert with Kevin Martin) and 2014 (with Dunstone as second, E.J. Harnden and Ryan Harnden).
Jacobs expressed his support for Dunstone and the Harnden brothers, saying, “I’m happy for Ryan and E.J. They get another chance. Dunny and Colton, they get another opportunity at their first Brier, so should be a great final.”
Looking Ahead: The Brier Final and Beyond
The championship game between Dunstone and Koe promises to be a thrilling contest. Dunstone’s team will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and finally secure their first Brier title, even as Koe will aim to add another championship to his impressive resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Montana’s Brier? We see the annual Canadian men’s curling championship.
- Who won the Olympic gold medal in men’s curling in 2026? Brad Jacobs’ team representing Canada.
- Where will the 2027 Brier be held? Saskatoon.
- What is at stake for the winner of the Brier? The Brier champion represents Canada at the World Championship and gains entry into the following year’s Brier as the defending champion.
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