CALGARY – SPORTS – Talk about a hot streak! Team Mike McEwen is on fire, rolling through September like a steamroller. And on Sunday afternoon, they capped off an incredible run by taking down top-seeded Team Brad Gushue to claim the 2024 PointsBet Invitational men’s title with an 8-3 victory.
Already winners of two straight World Curling Tour events, McEwen’s squad wasn’t about to slow down. With sharp shots and cool confidence, they grabbed their third title in a row at the WinSport Event Centre in Calgary.
This win not only solidified their status as a team to watch this season but also netted them a hefty $50,000 payday.
“We’ve been dialled in all month,” said McEwen, grinning ear to ear. “It’s not just about beating the big names – it’s about how well we can play game after game, and we’ve really sharpened up this September.”
Fast Start – Big Finish!
McEwen wasted no time setting the tone in the final, pulling off a spectacular angle-raise takeout in the first end that stunned Team Gushue. With a chance to sit three, Gushue’s counter attempt overcurled, leaving McEwen an open draw for four!
“That was huge,” said third Colton Flasch. “Any time you can put Gushue on his heels that early, it’s a big deal. But we knew we couldn’t let up – Brad never goes away easily.”
True to form, Gushue and his team hung tough, scoring one in the second and stealing another in the third. But after blanking a couple of ends, McEwen’s crew delivered the knockout punch in the sixth. Gushue’s guard overcurled, leaving McEwen a narrow port to hit, and he capitalized with a massive three, putting them up 7-2. The jubilation on McEwen’s face said it all as his fist-pump sealed the deal.
“You can’t stop playing against a team like Gushue,” said McEwen. “They’re too good at clawing back. That three in the sixth – it was the moment we knew we had ‘em. It’s a great feeling.”
Revenge for Brier Loss
While Team McEwen celebrated, there was a hint of revenge in the air. Just last March, Gushue had taken down McEwen in the final of the 2024 Montana’s Brier, but this time, McEwen got the upper hand.
Team Gushue, featuring vice-skip Mark Nichols, second E.J. Harnden, lead Geoff Walker, and coach Jeff Hoffart, collected $26,000 for their runner-up finish. But Gushue admitted the ice conditions threw them off.
“We struggled with the ice – it was slower than we expected, and we didn’t catch on quick enough,” Gushue explained. “Mike and his team were locked in, and we just couldn’t keep up.”
Both teams now head to Charlottetown for the start of the 2024-25 Grand Slam season at the HearingLife Tour Challenge. With McEwen blazing hot and Gushue ready to bounce back, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling curling season.
“We’re just getting started,” McEwen warned. “Teams are going to be coming after us, and I expect a great year of competition.”
