For five of the last six years, Mike McEwen and his teammates, B.J. Neufeld, Matt Wozniak, and Denni Neufeld played the role of runner-up in the chase for Manitoba's most coveted curling prize, the Provincial Championship. The chance to wear the traditional buffalo and represent the winningest province in Brier history, at the Brier.
Everything changed today. Arguably under more pressure than ever to win today and become the Manitoba Champions, McEwen was taken the distance by the current Canadian Junior Men's Champion, Matt Dunstone. Tied at two in the 10th end, McEwen executed a delicate tap back of the Dunstone rock fully buried and covering a good portion of the button. The score of two broke the deadlock and a 4-2 victory for Team McEwen. Entering the final, McEwen was already heading to Ottawa for the Tim Hortons Brier as Manitoba's representative, but the victory will now send the team as Manitoba Champions and undoubtedly a favourite to win the Brier in their first appearance.
Photo credit: CurlManitoba
Congratulations to Team Mike McEwen on their victory, and best of luck representing Manitoba and The Rouge at the Brier, in Ottawa.