Matt Dunstone (Image Credit: Andrew Klaver/Curling Canada)

By Marty Hastings

On Pebbled ice

Dunstone manifested Brier moment against Gushue, pulls to within one victory of reaching final

Mar 6, 2026 | 5:12 PM

ST. JOHN’S, NFLD. — Kamloops skip Matt Dunstone is one victory away from reaching the Brier final in St. John’s, Nfld. 

Dunstone squared off against hometown hero Brad Gushue in a Page 1 vs. 2 qualifier on Friday (March 6). 

After Gushue came up light with a guard attempt, Dunstone steeled himself in a pressure-packed moment and scored three to win the game 7-5 with his last rock in the 10th end. 

“The moment was the big piece of it,” Dunstone said. “We’re a clear away team in that building with those fans and with the team we were up against. I said this once I found out the Brier was in St. John’s – playing that team in their home building in the playoffs was a scenario I wanted to be in at some point. That was the opportunity that presented itself today. Overall, a very cool moment. I’ve been manifesting that for 360 days if you will.” 

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The victory sets up a clash with undefeated Kevin Koe of Alberta on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the gold-medal game on Sunday night. The loser will play in the semifinal on Sunday morning.  

Koe, 51, has won nine straight games. 

“He’s been unconscious,” Dunstone said. “He’s been in a league of his own this week as he does. That’s what makes him so scary. That’s why he’s been so good for as long as he has. We’re playing well. Tomorrow night’s game, we’re going to need a lot more of the same as what you saw today, a gritty effort, string together 10 solid ends.”