Reinvigorated McEwen looking good in green

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This article was published 05/03/2024 (580 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sorry Manitoba, green might just be Mike McEwen’s colour.

The fans inside the Brandt Centre in Regina have fully embraced the 43-year-old import skip from Winnipeg as the veteran shotmaker has led Team Saskatchewan to a 4-1 start at the Brier.

McEwen, who’s in his first season with third Colton Flasch, second Kevin Marsh and lead Daniel Marsh, beat Alberta’s Aaron Sluchinski 11-6 Tuesday afternoon to stay at the top of Pool B.

Jamie Koe of the Northwest Territories is right there with them at 4-1. The two sides play Wednesday at 9 a.m. in a game that could ultimately decide who gets the No. 1 seed out of the group.

“I feel like right now, I’m probably playing some of my best curling in five or six years. I think this team has what it takes to go the distance, whether it’s now, or next year,” said McEwen in a phone chat.

“I’m enjoying being Team Saskatchewan and I’m hoping that can continue for not just this year, but for a number of years. I really do feel like I, personally, wasn’t who I could be as a player these last four or five years and these guys have really brought out the best in me.”

McEwen battled in his home province from 1998 to 2022 before taking his talents Ontario last year. He won the Ontario tankard with Ryan Fry, Brent Laing and Joey Hart before settling for fourth at the 2023 Brier. Then, Fry retired from men’s competition.

McEwen’s career was suddenly in limbo.

Fortunately, a few weeks later an intriguing opportunity in Riderville presented itself. McEwen was excited to join forces with the young squad, but he wasn’t 100 per cent sure of himself.

“It was probably me needing to prove to myself that I could play at the highest level. I think that was the last roadblock that needed to be kicked down, and now it’s not there,” said McEwen. “(My teammates) really have brought out the best in me and I think that hesitation before was probably me finding my way again. I’m not sure what that looked like, but it’s right in front of me. I’m feeling so much more confident and I’ve got teammates who are helping me be the best version of myself.”

McEwen made a big statement early with a 7-6 win over the man who won the last two Briers: Team Canada’s Brad Gushue.

The lone hiccup for Regina’s favourite squad was a 7-4 loss to Nova Scotia’s Matthew Manuel.

McEwen and Co. are No. 6 in the Canadian Team Ranking System, right behind former Manitoba foes Matt Dunstone and Reid Carruthers.

“Mike looks as good as I’ve ever seen him. The first time I’ve played against Mike was 1998 juniors so I’ve seen him play a lot over the years, and I got to play with him last year,” said Laing, Team Saskatchewan’s coach.

“He looks very similar to the way he did last year at the Brier, just ready to go. I think with this team in particular he knows these guys have his back and have faith in him. They’ve got a great team dynamic and culture going.”

McEwen’s best finish at men’s nationals was bronze in 2017. His ninth trip to the Brier might end up being his best one yet.

The top three teams in each pool advance to Friday’s playoff bracket.

“It’s one thing having a dream to win it, but it’s another level to actually believe you’re ready to win it and I’m 100 per cent there with this team which is really cool. Regardless of how it ends, that level of belief is as high as it can be for every guy on our team. It’s fun to play with that,” said McEwen.

“If we’re really good versions of ourselves, we’ll be playing on the final weekend.”

Even though he left one flat province for another, McEwen still feels the love from Manitoba.

“When I walk into the Fort Rouge Curling Club, that’s what I feel… I feel like the support hasn’t changed, even though some of them are choked they gotta root for green,” laughed McEwen. “But generally, the feeling has been a lot of support. I think in the curling community, there’s been a lot of support seeing Manitobans do well for other provinces.”

A Saskatchewan team hasn’t won the event since Rick Folk did it in 1980.

“I feel like everything’s there to have an exceptional ending, no matter how this week ends for us,” said McEwen. “The right things are where they need to be for us to play our hearts out… And it’s a lot of fun out there playing with a crowd that is so into our games.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @Taylorallen31