(by Fred Rinne). An Alberta clipper continues to roll through the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon at the Tim Hortons Brier, Canadian Men’s Curling Championship. Kevin Koe not only jumped his record to 4-0 on Monday afternoon, he did it in short order, beating Mike Gaudet’s P.E.I. crew 8-2 in eight ends.
Koe says he was more comfortable with the ice conditions today, and while he says the team played well, the score more reflected the fact his opponents were struggling.
“The ice was a lot better out there today, nice keen speed, has to be about 10 feet faster today, said Koe.
“It was tough sledding out there trying to make draws.”
He added he was happy to get off the ice early and get away from the arena before his evening draw.
Koe will try to make it 5-0 when he plays the home-favourite Saskatchewan team of Scott Manners.
The Saskatchewan unit sat at 2-2 after a morning loss to Kevin’s younger brother Jamie of the Territories, who continues to be the good-news story of the Brier at 3-1.
Big brother is happy and looking forward to their brotherly tilt Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Newfoundland/Labrador’s Brad Gushue got off the carpet with a much-needed 10-5 win over Nova Scotia. British Columbia stunned Manitoba 9-5 and New Brunswick hammered Northern Ontario 8-3 in other games.
After a slow start, the Rocksters put up a four spot in the fourth end and then stole two deuces in a row to grab the game by the throat.
Happy to get the monkey off his back, Gushue said the team still needs to play better.
“To be honest, that’s probably the worst game we’ve played,” said Gushue.
“I think Jamie (Nova Scotia skip Murphy) struggled out there today and missed shots they wouldn’t normally miss.”
Still the much-needed win comes as a relief.
“A win’s a win no matter how you get it, so I’m pretty happy that we’re on the board. Hopefully we come out tonight and play a little bit better because I don’t think every team is going to struggle like they did today.”