One of the most intriguing stories of the 2024 Montana’s Brier is the fact that Mike McEwen of Winnipeg, Manitoba is skipping the home team from Saskatchewan. Over the years, the 2003 Winter Universiade gold medalist has competed in nine Briers. Over the last three years, McEwen has represented three different provinces and has been supported by his home province at the last two Canadian Men’s National Curling Championships. McEwen represented Manitoba in 2022, Ontario in London in 2023 and will now wear green and white this year for a province hosting the Brier while it takes place at the Brandt Center in Regina.
On Saturday, McEwen’s Saskatchewan team beat Brad Gushue, the 2006 Canadian Olympic gold medalist from St. John’s, Newfoundland, 7-6. It was the middle part of the game where McEwen took control. With the game tied after three ends, McEwen scored two points in the fourth end and then stole a point each in the fifth and sixth ends to take a 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 one-win, zero-loss record but did not play Saturday. On Sunday, McEwen will play two-time world champion Kevin Koe of Calgary, Alberta.
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