Curling fans, brace yourselves for another thrilling chapter in the Koe vs. Koe saga at Montana’s Brier! But here’s where it gets controversial: can Jamie Koe’s experience and resilience truly overcome the dominance of his brother Kevin? Let’s dive in.
Published at 4:19 am on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, by Martin Gavin for Northern News Services, this story highlights Jamie Koe’s rollercoaster journey at the Brier in St. John’s, N.L. Jamie, a seasoned veteran of the sport, has faced his fair share of ups and downs this tournament. Early losses left his team, consisting of Glen Kennedy, Roland Robinson, and Shadrach McLeod, struggling to find their footing. However, a stunning victory over Sandy MacEwan of Northern Ontario showcased their potential. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving their ability to bounce back under pressure.
“We were a bit shaky at the beginning, even in that game,” Jamie admitted. “But I think we’re moving in the right direction now. I hope.” This win kept them in contention for the opening round in Pool B, with playoff hopes still within reach.
The match against MacEwan was a nail-biter. After a slow start, the Koe rink found themselves trailing early. “It didn’t look good at first,” Jamie recalled. “We were in deep trouble.” But the team rallied in the second half, stealing their way to a 6-4 lead after nine ends. The game’s climax came in the final moments, with MacEwan attempting a double-raise, triple-takeout to force an extra end. He succeeded, sending the game into bonus curling.
In the extra end, Jamie faced a critical shot: drawing around a rock biting the button to secure victory. The shot seemed light, and the sweepers worked furiously as Koe and Kennedy cheered. In a dramatic twist, Robinson pushed McLeod off the rock, fearing they had swept too much. A measurement revealed Jamie’s rock was just close enough to win. “Luckily, it stopped in time,” Jamie said. “It was a measurement for the win—doesn’t get any closer than that. We got the ‘W,’ and that’s all that matters.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Koe is proving why he’s a four-time Brier champion. Leading Pool B with four wins from four games, he’s showcasing the late-game composure and experience that define his career. “This building is familiar to me,” Kevin noted. “I’ve played well here before, and that comfort isn’t easy to find. We know we can beat anyone—we did it at the Olympic trials, and if we peak here, we’ll be in the mix.”
The highly anticipated Koe vs. Koe matchup arrived on Tuesday morning, with different stakes for each brother. Kevin sought to solidify his playoff ranking, while Jamie fought for survival. Despite their shared surname, their goals couldn’t have been more different. Here’s the controversial question: does Kevin’s consistent success overshadow Jamie’s efforts, or does Jamie’s resilience make him the more compelling figure?
Kevin emerged victorious once again, defeating Jamie 6-3 and leaving his younger brother winless in their head-to-head series. “We picked up the ice early, and that was the difference,” Kevin explained. The win secured Kevin’s playoff spot, while Jamie’s four losses all but eliminated him from repeating his playoff performance from two years ago.
“Playing my brother never gets old,” Kevin admitted. “It’s always scary because I know he wants that ‘W.’” This sibling rivalry continues to captivate fans, keeping the family—and the curling world—on the edge of their seats. What’s your take? Does Kevin’s dominance define their rivalry, or does Jamie’s fight make him the underdog worth rooting for? Let us know in the comments!
