Canadian Curling Team Dunstone Dominates World Championship Opener

Brier Champions Secure Decisive Wins Against South Korea and Italy

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:25pm

Team Dunstone, the Canadian curling squad fresh off their historic victory at the Montana's Brier, has started their campaign at the World Men's Curling Championship in Ogden, Utah, with a pair of decisive wins. The team's success signals a potential shift in the dynamics of international curling, with their aggressive playstyle and strategic execution standing out.

Why it matters

Winning the Brier is a crucial milestone for Canadian curling teams, as it earns them the right to represent the country at the prestigious World Men's Curling Championship. Team Dunstone's dominant performance on the opening day showcases the strength of Canadian curling and the importance of the Brier as a proving ground for international competition.

The details

Team Dunstone, led by skip Matt Dunstone, secured victories against South Korea (5-2) and Italy (9-2) on the opening day of the championship. The team's composition, which includes brothers E.J. and Ryan Harnden, both Olympic gold medalists, brings a wealth of experience and strategic depth. Coach Caleb Flaxey further strengthens the team's capabilities. Dunstone highlighted the critical role of scoring a 'deuce' (two points in an end) in their match against South Korea, while the team's aggressive approach against Italy, including multiple stolen points, suggests a potential shift towards more risk-taking strategies at the elite level of curling.

  • On March 28, 2026, Team Dunstone secured victories against South Korea and Italy on the opening day of the World Men's Curling Championship in Ogden, Utah.
  • Team Dunstone won the Montana's Brier earlier this year, earning them the right to represent Canada at the World Men's Curling Championship.

The players

Matt Dunstone

The skip of Team Dunstone, leading the Canadian squad at the World Men's Curling Championship.

Colton Lott

A member of Team Dunstone, representing Canada at the World Men's Curling Championship.

E.J. Harnden

An Olympic gold medalist and member of Team Dunstone, bringing valuable experience to the Canadian squad.

Ryan Harnden

An Olympic gold medalist and member of Team Dunstone, adding to the team's strategic depth.

Caleb Flaxey

The coach of Team Dunstone, further strengthening the team's strategic capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“The first team to achieve a deuce would likely control the game's outcome.”

— Matt Dunstone, Skip, Team Dunstone

“A precise runback double takeout by E.J. Harnden setting up the winning score.”

— Matt Dunstone, Skip, Team Dunstone

What’s next

Team Dunstone will face Scotland's Ross Whyte in their next match, a crucial test as they navigate the 13-team tournament. Their early success positions them well, but maintaining momentum will be key to securing a playoff berth.

The takeaway

Team Dunstone's dominant performance on the opening day of the World Men's Curling Championship highlights the strength of Canadian curling and the importance of the Brier as a proving ground for international competition. The team's aggressive playstyle and strategic execution, combined with the experience of the Harnden brothers, suggest a potential shift in the dynamics of elite-level curling.