Matt Dunstone and his Manitoba rink closed out the Brier with a composed 6-3 victory over Alberta’s veteran Kevin Koe, claiming the Canadian men’s curling championship. After a week of round-robin battles and tense playoff games, Dunstone’s crew earned the right to wear the Maple Leaf at the world men’s championship in Ogden, Utah — and will return to next year’s Brier in Saskatoon as defending champions.
For Dunstone and vice-skip Colton Lott, this is a milestone: their first Brier title. Teammates E.J. Harnden and Ryan Harnden, meanwhile, added to already impressive résumés — another national crown for both. Together the four combined steady shot-making with a clear strategic plan, pulling away in the later ends to seal the win.
Manitoba punched their ticket to the final with a convincing 7-3 semifinal win over Brad Jacobs on March 8, 2026. That result set up a final against a well-schooled opponent in Koe, who brought years of playoff experience and a reputation for precise game management.
The final unfolded as a chess match more than a sprint. Dunstone favored an attack-minded approach: precise draws, carefully placed guards and pressure on the house that forced Alberta into difficult decisions. Koe answered with tidy takeouts and attempts to keep things tight, but Manitoba was better at turning small opportunities into multiple-point ends.
A handful of pivotal shots swung momentum. Dunstone’s ability to execute tight-weight draws when it mattered — often under heavy pressure — proved decisive. The Harnden brothers supplied the relentless sweeping and consistent deliveries that made those shots count, narrowing opponents’ angles and extending shot windows.
Tactically, Manitoba balanced aggression with restraint. They pushed for scoring chances but didn’t overcommit; when a high-risk shot offered little return, they settled for safer options that preserved the lead. Koe’s bids to flip the scoreboard produced singles or blanks more often than the big swings he needed, leaving Manitoba in control.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to Ogden. The team will sharpen specialty shots, fine-tune communication and adapt to different ice conditions — all essential when stepping from domestic arenas into international play. Expect detailed scouting of likely opponents, targeted practice sessions that mimic world-championship scenarios, and a program that balances physical conditioning with recovery.
Beyond the immediate preparation, the Brier win gives Dunstone’s rink momentum and confidence. The Harnden veterans’ calm under pressure paired with Dunstone and Lott’s attacking energy has created a resilient blend of experience and youth — a combination that should serve them well on the world stage and as they carry the title into next year’s Brier.
In short: Manitoba executed when it mattered, turned key ends into lead-preserving scores, and walked away with a well-earned national title. Now comes the test of translating that domestic success into consistent results against the world’s best.