Last Updated on: 5th March 2025, 02:57 pm
The 2025 Montana’s Brier, Canada’s pinnacle curling championship, begins this weekend in Saskatchewan, featuring 18 elite teams competing for national glory. Alongside a significant cash prize, the tournament awards its champion a direct entry to the World Men’s Curling Championship, amplifying the stakes for participants and fans alike.
The field includes 14 teams that earned their berths through provincial and territorial qualifiers, joined by defending champions Team Canada and three wild card entries. Brad Gushue’s Team Canada returns to defend their title after securing victory in the 2024 Brier.
How to Watch
- Broadcast: TSN holds exclusive rights in Canada, with live coverage across its networks.
- Streaming: TSN Direct and Curling World offer live streams for on-the-go viewing.
- International: Available via Curling World’s OTT platform or regional broadcasters, subject to local rights.
Teams to Watch in 2025
- Team Canada (Brad Gushue): The reigning champions face scrutiny after roster changes and recent struggles.
- Team Alberta (Kevin Koe): A seasoned squad led by four-time Brier winner Koe.
- Team Manitoba (Matt Dunstone): A rising force ranked among the world’s top contenders.
- Team Saskatchewan (Mike McEwen): Local favorites aiming to leverage home-ice advantage.
- Team Ontario (Sam Mooibroek): A young, ambitious team seeking a breakthrough.
Tournament Schedule Highlights
- Dates: February 28 (opening round-robin) to March 9 (championship final).
- Format: Two pools compete in round-robin play, followed by Page playoffs and knockout stages.
Key Matches:
- Feb. 28 (9:30 p.m. ET): Manitoba (Carruthers) vs. British Columbia; Canada vs. Newfoundland and Labrador.
- March 7: Page Qualifiers (3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET).
- March 9: Semifinal (2:00 p.m. ET) and Championship Final (8:00 p.m. ET).
Preview:
Team Canada’s revamped lineup—replacing longtime members Mark Nichols and Geoff Walker with Brendan Bottcher—has yet to find its rhythm, posting a concerning 2-7 record in recent Grand Slam events. This slump opens the door for rivals like Matt Dunstone (Manitoba) and Brad Jacobs (Alberta), both ranked ahead of Gushue in global power ratings by analyst Ken Pomeroy.
Brad Jacobs, now leading a retooled Alberta team featuring Olympic gold medalists Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert, poses a formidable threat. Despite falling short in two recent Grand Slam finals, Jacobs’ squad has demonstrated elite consistency, signaling their readiness to reclaim Brier glory.
Pool A
| Team (Skip) | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta (Kevin Koe) | 0 | 0 |
| British Columbia (Cameron de Jong) | 0 | 0 |
| Canada (Brad Gushue) | 0 | 0 |
| Manitoba (Reid Carruthers) | 0 | 0 |
| Manitoba (Matt Dunstone) | 0 | 0 |
| New Brunswick (James Grattan) | 0 | 0 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador (Ty Dilello) | 0 | 0 |
| Northern Ontario (John Epping) | 0 | 0 |
| Nunavut (Shane Latimer) | 0 | 0 |
Pool B
| Team (Skip) | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta (Brad Jacobs) | 0 | 0 |
| Northwest Territories (Aaron Bartling) | 0 | 0 |
| Nova Scotia (Owen Purcell) | 0 | 0 |
| Ontario (Sam Mooibroek) | 0 | 0 |
| Prince Edward Island (Tyler Smith) | 0 | 0 |
| Quebec (Felix Asselin) | 0 | 0 |
| Saskatchewan (Rylan Kleiter) | 0 | 0 |
| Saskatchewan (Mike McEwen) | 0 | 0 |
| Yukon (Thomas Scoffin) | 0 | 0 |
With rivalries intensifying and veteran skips facing hungry challengers, the 2025 Brier promises thrilling action and unpredictable outcomes. Tune in as Canada’s best curlers battle for supremacy on the ice!
