Mike McEwen parts ways with Sask. rink after three seasons
Mike McEwen parts ways with Sask. rink after three seasons
The landscape of Canadian men's curling has shifted significantly following the announcement that veteran skip Mike McEwen is officially parting ways with his Saskatchewan-based rink after a three-season tenure. The news, which broke shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Montana's Brier in St. John's, Newfoundland, marks the end of a highly successful partnership that saw the team reach the pinnacle of the sport but ultimately fall just short of ending Saskatchewan's decades-long championship drought. McEwen, a Manitoba product who found a second home in the wheat province, revealed that the team had chosen a different path for the upcoming season, leaving him as a high-profile free agent during a critical juncture in the Olympic cycle.
The split of Team Mike McEwen is a significant development in the curling world, as the skip and his teammates—third Colton Flasch, second Kevin Marsh, and lead Daniel Marsh—had become one of the most consistent forces on the Canadian curling circuit. Mike McEwen joined the Saskatchewan rink in 2023, and during their three seasons together, they represented the province at every Brier, notably winning a silver medal in 2024 and finishing third at the 2025 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials. However, after failing to qualify for the playoffs at the 2026 Brier with a 5-3 round-robin record, the group decided to dissolve their partnership, ending an era that many hoped would finally bring a Brier Tankard back to Saskatchewan for the first time since 1980.
The End of an Era for Team Saskatchewan
For three years, the quartet of McEwen, Flasch, and the Marsh brothers served as the face of Saskatchewan curling. Their partnership was born out of a desire to create a "super-team" within the province that could compete with the likes of Brad Gushue, Brendan Bottcher, and Matt Dunstone. By bringing in McEwen, a skip with immense tactical knowledge and experience at the highest levels, the Saskatchewan rink immediately became a contender on the national stage. The team's chemistry was evident from the start, as they combined McEwen’s precision with the power and local knowledge of Colton Flasch and the Marsh brothers.
The announcement that the team is moving in a different direction signals a rebuilding phase for Saskatchewan curling. For McEwen, who has spent much of his career as one of the top skips in the world, this free agency represents a moment of transition. At 45 years old, McEwen remains a premier talent, but the question remains whether he will look to form a new team in Saskatchewan, return to his roots in Manitoba, or perhaps explore opportunities in another province. The "different path" mentioned in his statement suggests that the remaining members of the team—Flasch and the Marshes—may be looking to stay together or perhaps integrate a new skip who resides within the provincial borders.
A Look Back at Three Seasons of Success
The legacy of this team will be defined by their remarkable consistency and their ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. In their first season together (2023-2024), they captured the hearts of the province during the Brier held in Regina. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd at the Brandt Centre, Team McEwen marched all the way to the final, eventually falling to Team Canada's Brad Gushue in a hard-fought match. That silver medal was the closest Saskatchewan had come to a Brier title in years and solidified the team's status as a national powerhouse.
The following season (2024-2025) was equally impressive. The team focused heavily on the Olympic Trials, knowing that the window for this specific lineup was perfectly timed for the 2026 Winter Games. They performed admirably, securing a third-place finish and proving that they could hang with the best teams in the world over a grueling week of competition. Their ability to qualify for major events through the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) points reflected their dominance on the Grand Slam circuit and provincial playdowns alike. They were a team built for the big stage, often excelling when the lights were brightest.
The 2026 Brier: The Catalyst for Change
While the previous two seasons were filled with highlights, the 2026 Brier in St. John's proved to be the team's undoing. Entering the tournament as one of the favorites, the McEwen rink started strong but struggled to maintain momentum during the middle of the round robin. They finished Pool B with a 5-3 record, which in many years would be enough to secure a playoff spot. However, a highly competitive field and a crucial head-to-head loss to Manitoba's Braden Calvert meant that Saskatchewan missed out on the page playdowns based on tiebreaker criteria.
The final game against Matt Dunstone was a microcosm of the team's frustrations during their final week. Needing a win to stay alive, McEwen held the hammer in the 10th end, trailing by one. A difficult draw to the button was required to force an extra end, but the stone came up short, resulting in a steal of two for Dunstone and a 6-3 loss. This exit, following a similar disappointment in 2025 where they fell in a playoff qualifier, likely led to the internal discussions regarding the team's future. When a team of this caliber misses the playoffs two years in a row at the national championship, change is often inevitable.
Inside the Decision: Choosing a Different Path
In his public statement, Mike McEwen was gracious but clear: "The team has chosen a different path without me next season." This wording suggests that the decision was driven by the other three members of the rink. In the modern era of curling, team dynamics are often influenced by residency rules, travel commitments, and long-term Olympic aspirations. With the 2030 Olympic cycle on the horizon, many teams are looking to lock in four-year commitments that align with their professional and personal lives.
There is also the factor of Saskatchewan's championship drought. The pressure to win a Brier for the province is immense, and after three years of coming close, the players may have felt that a fresh dynamic was needed to get over the hump. Colton Flasch, a former skip himself, has the experience to take over the reins, or the team may be looking to recruit a younger skip to lead them into the next decade. Regardless of the specific reasons, the split appears to be a mutual recognition that the current configuration had reached its ceiling.
| Season | Major Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | Brier Silver Medal (Regina) |
| 2024-2025 | 3rd Place at Canadian Olympic Trials |
| 2025-2026 | Qualified for Brier via CTRS Points |
| Overall Record | 3 Consecutive Brier Appearances |
The Legacy of Mike McEwen in Saskatchewan
Although he is a Manitoba native, Mike McEwen’s impact on Saskatchewan curling cannot be overstated. He brought a level of professionalism and technical expertise that elevated the entire provincial competitive scene. Under his leadership, the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon became a hub for high-performance training. McEwen was not just a skip; he was a mentor to the younger players in the province and a favorite among fans who appreciated his analytical approach to the game.
His performance in the 2024 Brier final remains one of the most memorable moments in recent Saskatchewan sports history. Even in defeat, McEwen showed the poise and class that have defined his career. He embraced the province, and the province embraced him back. While his time representing the "Green and White" has come to an end, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will serve as a benchmark for future Saskatchewan rinks. The province's search for a Brier title continues, but McEwen helped show that the goal is within reach.
Potential Destinations for Mike McEwen as a Free Agent
As a free agent, Mike McEwen is arguably the most coveted skip on the market. His resume speaks for itself: multiple Grand Slam titles, countless Brier appearances, and a reputation as one of the best "pure" shooters in the game. Several possibilities exist for his next chapter. A return to Manitoba seems like a logical choice, as the province is currently undergoing a massive reshuffling of its top teams. Joining forces with established front-end players in Winnipeg could immediately put McEwen back in the hunt for a national title.
Another option could involve a move to a different province altogether. With several top teams across Canada announcing splits or retirements (including rumors surrounding the future of veteran rinks in Alberta and Ontario), McEwen could be the missing piece for a squad looking for veteran leadership. Furthermore, the 2027 Brier is scheduled to take place in Saskatoon, and the lure of playing another "home" Brier might tempt McEwen to stay in the province if a suitable new lineup can be formed. No matter where he lands, McEwen will remain a threat to win any tournament he enters.
The Future of Colton Flasch and the Marsh Brothers
For Colton Flasch, Kevin Marsh, and Daniel Marsh, the focus now turns to who will join their ranks for the 2026-2027 season. This trio represents one of the strongest "backbones" in Canadian curling. Flasch is a world-class player who has excelled at both the skip and third positions. The Marsh brothers are widely considered one of the best second-lead combinations in the country, providing the consistency and sweeping power necessary to win at the elite level.
The "different path" they are taking suggests they have a specific vision for their future. They may choose to recruit a skip from within Saskatchewan to maintain a fully provincial lineup, which simplifies residency requirements and can foster a deeper connection with the local curling community. Names like Rylan Kleiter or other rising stars in the Saskatchewan curling scene could be potential candidates to join this veteran core. Their goal remains clear: to be the team that finally ends the 1980 curse and brings the Brier trophy back to the Nutana Curling Club.
Impact on the Canadian Curling Landscape
The breakup of Team McEwen is part of a larger trend of "roster churn" that typically occurs at the end of an Olympic cycle or a disappointing Brier. In 2026, we are seeing a significant number of high-profile teams parting ways, creating a "domino effect" across the provinces. When a top-tier skip like McEwen becomes available, it often forces other teams to reconsider their lineups. The "Curling Roster Tracker" for 2026 is already filling up with names of players seeking new opportunities, making this one of the most volatile off-seasons in recent memory.
This volatility is ultimately good for the sport, as it leads to new rivalries and fresh narratives. The emergence of younger teams, combined with the reshuffling of veteran stars, ensures that the path to the 2030 Olympics will be unpredictable. For fans, it means a new look for the Grand Slam of Curling and the provincial playdowns. While it is sad to see a successful unit like Team McEwen split, the anticipation of where these talented individuals will end up adds a layer of excitement to the upcoming curling season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Mike McEwen leave the Saskatchewan team?
A1: According to McEwen's statement, the team decided to choose a different path for the upcoming season. This decision followed a disappointing finish at the 2026 Brier where the team missed the playoffs.
Q2: Who were the members of Mike McEwen's Saskatchewan rink?
A2: The team consisted of Mike McEwen (Skip), Colton Flasch (Third), Kevin Marsh (Second), and Daniel Marsh (Lead).
Q3: What was the team's greatest achievement during their three seasons?
A3: Their most notable achievement was winning the silver medal at the 2024 Montana's Brier in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Q4: Is Mike McEwen retiring from curling?
A4: No, Mike McEwen stated that he is currently a free agent for the coming season, indicating his intention to continue competing at the elite level.
Q5: When was the last time a Saskatchewan team won the Brier?
A5: Saskatchewan has not won a Brier title since 1980, when the Rick Folk rink captured the national championship.
Conclusion
The parting of ways between Mike McEwen and his Saskatchewan rink marks the conclusion of one of the most exciting chapters in the province's recent curling history. While they did not achieve the ultimate goal of a Brier title, their three seasons together were characterized by elite-level play, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for the game that resonated with fans across Canada. As Mike McEwen enters free agency and his former teammates begin their search for a new skip, the curling community waits with bated breath to see how these talented athletes will reshape the competitive landscape in the years to come. Saskatchewan's quest for glory continues, and though the faces on the ice may change, the spirit of the game remains as strong as ever in the heart of the prairies.
Mike McEwen parts ways with Sask. rink after three seasons
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