Brier Curling: Pool B Playoff Prospects

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Thursday morning’s penultimate Pool B draw was fascinating in just how much was riding on a particular battle.

Said battle saw Manitoba Brier rookie Braden Calvert take on New Brunswick veteran James Grattan.

On a neighbouring sheet, Alberta veteran Kevin Koe won another game to climb to 7-0. The 51-year-old four-time champion is enjoying a Brier renaissance after struggling so badly at Regina 2024, and clinched his 2026 playoff berth yesterday.

Matt Dunstone was also in action, and his crew walloped Sandy MacEwan of Northern Ontario 9-3 to climb to 6-1.

In the main event, Calvert battled Grattan into an extra end but faded at the last, and Jimmy No-Longer-The-Kid didn’t need to throw his last stone for the 8-7 win.

That victory left both combatants at 4-3 and also gave Dunstone a playoff berth.

It also put in motion a bunch of scenarios for Thursday night’s climactic round robin draw, which will see Mike McEwen (5-2) try to drag Dunstone back by a game.

Things are just a lot simpler over in Pool A...

• If McEwen beats Dunstone they are both into the playoffs; McEwen grabs second and Dunstone finishes third.

• If McEwen loses and Calvert and Grattan both win, the Last Stone Draw rears its ugly head and Grattan has no chance. Right now, the LSD is close between Calvert and McEwen.

• If McEwen loses, Calvert wins and Grattan loses, McEwen is out and Calvert is in.

• If McEwen and Calvert both lose and Grattan wins, McEwen is in.

• If McEwen and Calvert both lose and Grattan loses, McEwen is in.

Oooh, fun!