Montana’s Brier Field Takes Shape Following Sunday’s Provincial Championships
January 12, 2026 – Six additional rinks secured their spots at the 2026 Montana’s Brier on Sunday through provincial championship victories, bringing the field for Canada’s premier men’s curling event into clearer focus.
Northern Ontario’s Breakthrough Moment
The day’s most dramatic finish unfolded at the Northern Ontario championship in North Bay, where skip Sandy MacEwan and his Sudbury-based rink edged world No. 8 Team John Epping 6-5 in the final. The 40-year-old MacEwan, who had fallen short in two previous provincial finals, will finally make his debut at the Canadian men’s curling championship when competition begins in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ontario Crowns New Champion
Team Jayden King emerged victorious in Ontario, defeating defending champion Team Sam Mooibroek 9-6 in the provincial final. The young London-based rink will represent Ontario at the Brier for the first time under King’s leadership.
Veterans and Rising Stars Advance
In Alberta, 51-year-old Kevin Koe demonstrated he remains a force in Canadian curling by defeating Team Johnson Tao 9-7 to earn his 14th Brier berth. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan will send Team Kelly Knapp to St. John’s after they posted a convincing 9-4 victory over Team Rylan Kleiter, who competed in last year’s Brier and the recent Olympic Trials.
Quebec’s representative will be 2006 Brier champion Jean-Michel Menard, whose rink featuring last-rock thrower Felix Asselin claimed the provincial title with a 9-4 win over Team Julien Tremblay.
Nova Scotia’s Team Kendal Thompson rounded out Sunday’s qualifiers with a 9-7 victory over Team Owen Purcell, last year’s provincial champions.
Current Field
The Montana’s Brier field now includes:
Canada – Brad Jacobs (defending champion)
British Columbia – Cody Tanaka
Alberta – Kevin Koe
Saskatchewan – Kelly Knapp
Northern Ontario – Sandy MacEwan
Ontario – Jayden King
Quebec – Jean-Michel Menard
Nova Scotia – Kendal Thompson
Prince Edward Island – Tyler Smith
Yukon – Thomas Scoffin
Nunavut – Derek Samagalski
CTRS Teams – Brad Gushue, Matt Dunstone, Mike McEwen
Still to Be Decided
Four provinces and territories will determine their representatives in the coming weeks:
- Manitoba (February 3-8)
- New Brunswick (January 27-February 1)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (January 20-25)
- Northwest Territories (January 21-26)
The 2026 Montana’s Brier will take place February 27 through March 8 at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
