(by Graham Lloyd) It took longer than expected to decide the Prince Edward Island representative for the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier, but ultimately Eddie MacKenzie came through in the championship final, Feb. 12 at the Crapaud Community Curling Club.

After a weekend storm delayed play by two days, Mackenzie went through the competition with an undefeated record, stealing a single in the extra end of the final game to defeat clubmate Rod MacDonald from the Charlottetown Curling Complex.

MacKenzie will be making his third appearance at the Brier, March 2-10 in Edmonton’s Rexall Place. It’s the first taste of competition at the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship for third Anson Carmody, while second Alex MacFadyen and lead Sean Ledgerwood return for a second time.

In Newfoundland/Labrador, the provincial playdowns came off according to schedule, Feb. 5-10  St. John’s Curling Club at the RE/MAX Centre.

Brad Gushue had a perfect record through the five days of play, defeating Colin Thomas by an 8-2 count in the Feb. 10 final.

Gushue will be representing the province for a 10th time, returning with last year’s front end of Adam Casey and Geoff Walker.  Third Brett Gallant will be making his Brier debut in Edmonton. Casey and Gallant are Prince Edward Island natives.

Click to read this story at the CCA website