Halifax is hosting the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials this week, determining which Canadian teams will represent the nation in curling at the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina olympic Winter Games [[1]], [[3]].On Thursday evening, Matt Dunstone’s Winnipeg-based team advanced to the men’s final, defeating Mike McEwen’s rink in a decisive matchup [[2]]. Dunstone will now compete against Brad Jacobs’ Calgary team for the national title and a coveted Olympic berth.
HALIFAX — Matt Dunstone’s Winnipeg rink secured a spot in the championship final of the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials with a decisive 9-5 victory over Mike McEwen’s Saskatoon team on Thursday.
Dunstone will now face Brad Jacobs and his Calgary-based team for the national title, and the chance to represent Canada at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. The Trials determine Canada’s representatives for curling at the Winter Games.
McEwen started strong, capitalizing on a tap for two points in the third end. However, Dunstone quickly responded in the fourth with a well-executed in-off, scoring a pair of his own to level the match.
The momentum shifted further in the sixth end as Dunstone executed a brilliant double takeout, adding three points to his total. He then extended his lead with a deuce in the ninth, taking an 8-5 advantage. McEwen, who previously lost in the 2017 Trials final to Kevin Koe, conceded the game after giving up a steal in the tenth end.
“You don’t want to pass up on these opportunities and we didn’t,” Dunstone said.
The men’s final will be contested over two games on Friday and Saturday evening, with a potential third and deciding game scheduled for Sunday if necessary.
The Milan Cortina Olympics are set to begin on February 4.
