Curling

Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
John Epping officially announced on Wednesday he has formed a team with B.J. Neufeld, Ryan Wiebe and Ian McMillan.

Epping believes the sky’s the limit for his new team

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Mar. 20, 2026

John Epping knows what he signed up for by forming a Manitoba-based rink.

He was forced to watch this year’s Brier from his couch — despite being ranked No. 8 in the world — after fumbling the Northern Ontario final to underdog Sandy MacEwan. Now teaming up with B.J. Neufeld, Ryan Wiebe and Ian McMillan, his path to nationals will now be even harder considering he’ll have to survive a provincial field that already features two heavyweights in Braden Calvert and Jordon McDonald.

“Manitoba has always been such a strong province,” said Epping in a chat with the Free Press.

“We know Braden’s a strong team who had a fantastic Brier and that’s no surprise — even though he hasn’t played as much as maybe the top teams would… And then Jordon, his future is so bright… I mean, it’s going to be tough.”

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PAUL DALY / THE CANADIAN PRESS
E.J. Harnden (centre) committed himself to a strength and fitness routine that help to revolutionize the game of curling.

How E.J. Harnden changed curling forever

Mitch Calvert 7 minute read Preview

How E.J. Harnden changed curling forever

Mitch Calvert 7 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

I was a young sports reporter the first time I saw E.J. Harnden throw his broom.

It was February 2009 at the Northern Ontario Curling Association playdowns in Fort Frances. The Brad Jacobs rink — Jacobs at skip, E.J. at third, his younger brother Ryan at second — had just absorbed a 9-4 loss to Mike Jakubo in the final, their third straight defeat to the same Copper Cliff team that week. When Harnden’s last rock failed to disturb a pair of Jakubo stones sitting fat in scoring position, he didn’t shake his head or mutter under his breath. He threw his broom.

I remember thinking: that’s not how curlers act. This was, after all, a game still broadly associated with potluck socials and Canadian Club rye whisky. Curlers were supposed to be serene. Stoic. These guys were something else.

Seventeen years later, E.J. Harnden — now 42, and in the final chapter of a career that reshaped Canadian curling — just swept his way to a fourth national Brier title on a retirement tour with Matt Dunstone’s Manitoba rink. He was named tournament MVP, shooting 88 per cent accuracy for the week. He shared a long embrace with Ryan when it was over. And somewhere in that moment, the broom that once hit the ice in frustration became a symbol of everything that followed.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

Paul Daly / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Matt Dunstone, skip of Team Manitoba-Dunstone celebrates winning the Montana’s Brier Canadian men’s curling championship, in St. John’s, N.L., Sunday.

Dream comes true, with fairytale ending, for Dunstone

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Dream comes true, with fairytale ending, for Dunstone

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

Before sliding out of the hack for his Brier-clinching shot, Matt Dunstone took a moment to soak it all in and reflect.

“I pretty much told myself in the hack — sorry, I’m trying not to get emotional — that the five or six-year-old me would be so proud of what was about to happen,” Dunstone told the Free Press on Tuesday shortly after returning home to Kamloops, B.C.

Team Manitoba’s 30-year-old skip, who was born and raised in Winnipeg before moving out west in 2018, executed a winning takeout to perfection to clinch a 6-3 victory over Alberta’s Kevin Koe in the Canadian men’s curling final on Sunday in St. John’s, N.L.

Dunstone was overcome with emotion and fell to his knees before a joyous embrace with teammates Colton Lott, E.J. Harnden and Ryan Harnden.

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Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Colton Lott is greeted by Marsha (left) and Margaret Simmons as he arrives at Winnipeg airport Monday after Team Dunstone won the Brier in St. John’s on Sunday.

Breakthrough in The Rock blows open doors for Dunstone team

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Breakthrough in The Rock blows open doors for Dunstone team

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Colton Lott had a hero’s welcome all to himself Monday night at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

Matt Dunstone’s third was serenaded by a bagpiper while making his way down the escalator to be greeted by his wife Kadriana, family, friends and even a pair of fans from his hometown in Winnipeg Beach.

Lott, the lone member of Team Manitoba that lives in the province, is back home after winning the Brier on Sunday in St. John’s, N.L., with a 6-3 victory over Alberta’s Kevin Koe.

“It’s been pretty surreal. I don’t even think it’s fully set in yet,” Lott told the Free Press.

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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Team Canada skip Kerri Einarson said Monday it would mean the world to her Gimli-based club to win the World Women’s Curling Championship this month in Calgary.

Team Einarson ready to rock the Maple Leaf at women’s worlds

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Team Einarson ready to rock the Maple Leaf at women’s worlds

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

For the first time in 31 years, Manitoba rinks have won both the Scotties and the Brier in the same year.

Gimli’s Kerri Einarson captured the women’s national crown last month in Mississauga, Ont., meanwhile Winnipeg’s Matt Dunstone took care of business on Sunday in St. John’s, N.L., to win his first men’s title.

Connie Laliberte and Kerry Burtnyk accomplished the last Manitoba sweep back in 1995.

“To see them finally come out on top at the Brier was just so awesome to see,” said Team Einarson second Shannon Birchard in a video call with reporters on Monday.

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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Canada’s Brad Jacobs rink shakes hands with Britain’s Bruce Mouat rink at the men’s curling gold medal match between Britain and Canada, at the Winter Olympics in Italy. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Stoughton helps guide Jacobs team to top of podium

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Stoughton helps guide Jacobs team to top of podium

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Medals don’t get handed out to coaches at the Olympics.

Heck, they don’t even get one of those stuffed animals that the Canadian men’s hockey team begrudingly accepted after their heartbreaking overtime loss to the Americans.

But even though Jeff Stoughton didn’t get to bring a highly sought after souvenir from Milano Cortina back to Winnipeg, he’s not complaining. He was more than just happy to play a role in helping Brad Jacobs win gold in men’s curling for Canada.

“We just get handshakes and pats on the back, and that’s more than enough,” said Stoughton, the head of Curling Canada’s men’s national program.

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Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS FILES
Reid Carruthers announced on social media Wednesday that he is retiring after more than 20 years in competitive curling.

Carruthers calls it a career

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Carruthers calls it a career

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

One of Manitoba’s most decorated curlers is hanging up his sliding crutch.

Reid Carruthers, a nine-time provincial champion, announced on social media Wednesday that he is retiring after 20-plus years in competitive curling.

“It’s the point in time where I have to think about my future and spending time with my son. The past few years have been tough, and he’ll be four soon. Being away, I found it very difficult. Most parents who have to travel (for work) would understand where I’m coming from that it’s not the easiest,” the 41-year-old told the Free Press. He and his wife Jodi became parents to Bo in May 2022.

“And for me, as I look at the sport, it’s becoming more and more professional and you have to be able to put 100 per cent of your time and commitment into it. And where I am in my career and age, that doesn’t quite line up.”

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Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

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2026 Manitoba junior champions: Skip Shaela Hayward, Third India Young, Second Keira Krahn, Lead Dayna Wahl and Coach Ron Westcott.

Junior curling champs realistic about chances at nationals

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Junior curling champs realistic about chances at nationals

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

SHAELA Hayward isn’t getting ahead of herself.

Sure, the skip from Carman won the national U-18 women’s curling crown in 2024. And yes, most of the field from that event will be at the Canadian U-20 Curling Championships in Sudbury, Ont., from March 28-April 4.

But Hayward — who claimed her third consecutive Manitoba junior championship on Sunday in Morris by defeating Cassidy Dundas (Heather Curling Club) 6-5 — is quick to remind you that her past performance doesn’t guarantee her anything.

“You would think (we have lots of confidence), but the field is so, so tough and the teams only get better,” she said.

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Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

TIM SMITH / THE BRANDON SUN FILES
Skip Kate Cameron throws a rock at the 2026 RME Women of the Rings championship in Rivers in January. Team Cameron announced early Monday that they will be parting ways at the conclusion of this season.

Team Cameron dissolving at the end of curling season

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Team Cameron dissolving at the end of curling season

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

With the Olympics now in the rearview mirror, the dominoes are already starting to fall in the Canadian curling scene.

Team Kate Cameron announced early Monday that they will be parting ways at the conclusion of this season.

Cameron, third Briane Harris, second Taylor McDonald, and lead Mackenzie Elias lost the Manitoba provincial semifinal last month to Beth Peterson to miss out on a trip to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Cameron, a 34-year-old from New Bothwell, originally formed the team ahead of the 2023-24 campaign alongside McDonald, Elias, and former third Meghan Walter. They proved to be an immediate national contender by bringing home bronze from the 2024 Scotties.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Canada’s Marc Kennedy delivers the stone during a men’s curling round robin match against China at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday. (David J. Phillip / The Associated Press)

Canada at the centre of Olympics curling controversy

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Canada at the centre of Olympics curling controversy

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026

MILAN — We expected fireworks here in Milan as NHL players appear at the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years, ushering in the long-awaited return of best-on-best hockey. And we got a taste of that Sunday, when Tom Wilson recorded what is likely the first Gordie Howe hat trick in Games history — a goal, an assist and a scrap — in Canada’s rout of France.

It happens. It’s hockey.

What we did not expect was for the you-know-what to hit the fan roughly 400 kilometres north in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the picturesque mountain town hosting curling, Yet here we are. Canada now finds itself at the centre of a genuinely heated rivalry, with opponents accusing our champion rock-throwers of — gasp! — cheating.

What in the name of Vic Rauter is going on up there? The bizarre conflict has become the talk of the Olympics, putting curling under a blazing global spotlight.

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Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
Skip Brett Walter of Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club yells instructions to his sweepers while watching his shot during their game against team Jeremy Sundell of Holland Curling Club at the 2026 Men’s Provincial Curling Championship in Selkirk.

Walters rolling at men’s curling championship

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Walters rolling at men’s curling championship

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

Don’t overlook Brett Walter.

The 24-year-old skip out of Assiniboine Memorial made a massive statement early Friday at men’s curling provincials in Selkirk by handing No. 1 seed Reid Carruthers a 9-2 shellacking that lasted just five ends in an ‘A’ qualifier game.

“Yeah, it worked out in our favour this morning,” Walter told the Free Press.

You don’t say.

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Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

Lott leading new contender with first-year squad

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Lott leading new contender with first-year squad

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

TANNER Lott’s childhood dream of qualifying for the Brier almost came true the last time the Manitoba men’s curling provincials took place in Selkirk.

It was in 2022 when he was playing second for his younger brother Colton Lott and they owned a perfect record heading into championship Sunday.

They took down Mike McEwen 8-7 in the 1 vs. 2 playoff game, but when the two sides met again in the final, the brothers from Winnipeg Beach didn’t have their A-game.

The veteran McEwen, who skipped a rink featuring Reid Carruthers, Derek Samagalski and Colin Hodgson, prevailed 8-3 to earn the right to wear the buffalo jackets.

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Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
Skip Reid Carruthers of the Granite Curling Club calls the line during his team’s game against Andrew Wickman’s rink from Fort Rouge Curling Club at the 2026 Men’s Provincial Curling Championship at the Selkirk Recreation Complex in Selkirk, Wednesday.

Carruthers rink taking nothing for granted

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Carruthers rink taking nothing for granted

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

SELKIRK — There’s no such thing as an easy game at the Manitoba men’s curling provincials — even if you’re a nine-time champion and the No. 1 seed like Reid Carruthers.

The 24-team event kicked off Wednesday at the Selkirk Recreation Complex and Carruthers survived a major scare in the afternoon by outlasting three-time provincial club champion Andrew Wickman 8-7 in extra ends.

Wickman, down 7-6 at the time, missed by a hair on an extremely difficult draw around a guard at the end of the 10th that would’ve scored two for the win. Wickman — who entered the week with a career 8-10 record at provincials in five previous trips — started the day with a 7-3 win over Greg Todoruk. Carruthers had a bye as one of the top seeds.

“Manitoba provincials are just so hard. It’s always hard. It doesn’t matter who you play,” said Team Carruthers lead Connor Njegovan.

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Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

Nicole Osborne / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Derek Samagalski has been called to the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame.

Getting the call to the Manitoba curling hall

Joshua Frey-Sam 8 minute read Preview

Getting the call to the Manitoba curling hall

Joshua Frey-Sam 8 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

Derek Samagalski expected the worst when he answered his phone on the morning of Jan. 2.

The caller ID read Peter Nicholls — a name that didn’t register immediately — and when Nicholls said he was with Curl Manitoba, Samagalski went from curious to uneasy.

“I thought our team did something wrong in provincials, like I’m getting a smack on the wrist, because I’m like, ‘Why is Curl Manitoba calling me mid-event?’” Samagalski recalled.

Samagalski was in Rivers coaching Team Kate Cameron at the Manitoba women’s curling championship. A call from the host organization at that time would normally mean something was wrong.

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Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
Team Einarson is headed to nationals after playing some of their best curling en route to the final of the Grand Slam’s Players’ Championship.

Burgess eyes gold after silver streak

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Burgess eyes gold after silver streak

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Karlee Burgess isn’t interested in adding to her collection of silver.

She’s reached the last three finals at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts — twice with Jennifer Jones and again last year with Kerri Einarson — and on each occasion it ended with her having to watch the opposition celebrate with gold hanging from their necks.

“I’ve had really good success at the Scotties in the past and I’m just kind of feeling like there should be a breakthrough for me here soon,” said Burgess.

“Maybe this year I break through, but if not, I’m going to continue to still dream about that and work hard at it.”

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Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Einarson falls in Players’ Championship final on home ice

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Einarson falls in Players’ Championship final on home ice

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

STEINBACH — Kerri Einarson has waited a long time for a chance to win a Grand Slam of Curling event in her home province.

Unfortunately for the Gimli-based skip, raising a trophy with loads of family and friends in the stands wasn’t meant to be on Sunday as she came up short in a 6-5 loss to Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni in the Players’ Championship final inside Steinbach’s Southeast Event Centre.

“It was a battle,” Einarson told the Free Press. “We got down a little early, had an unfortunate second end missing a couple runbacks just by a hair. But we battled back, we made them make some tough shots, and it was a tough last one. I guess it wasn’t even there.”

After blanking the seventh to retain hammer, Einarson needed to score a pair in the eighth to extend the game into extras. There was a logjam in the house with nine rocks and Tirinzoni was sitting one when Einarson fired a Hail Mary down the ice that ultimately didn’t pay off.

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Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

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