Mike McEwen’s Saskatoon rink pre-qualifies for 2026 Brier

Saskatchewan's Mike McEwen advanced to the semifinal of the Canadian men's curling championship with a win over Manitoba's Matt Dunstone. McEwen executed a nose hit against three Dunstone counters for the win and earned a standing ovation from Regina's Brandt Centre.

Curling Canada announced on Friday that three teams have pre-qualified for the 2026 Brier with one of them being Saskatoon’s Mike McEwen rink.

McEwen finished 7-1 in Pool B in the 2025 Brier but was eliminated in the page ¾ qualifier.

In Regina in 2024 McEwen came in second place, losing in the final to Brad Gushue.

McEwen will be joined by Brad Gushue and Matt Dunstone, who were the other two teams to pre-qualify based on 2024-25 Canadian Team Ranking System results. As reigning champion Brad Jacobs returns as Team Canada.

The 2026 Brier goes Feb. 27 to March 8 in St. John’s N.L.

Three teams have also pre-qaulified for the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Kerri Einarson, Kayla Skrlik and Christina Black have all secured their spots along with 2025 champion Rachel Homan.

The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts goes Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 in Mississauga, Ont.