Newfoundland’s Gushue beats Canada’s Koe for first Brier title

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador defeated Canada’s Kevin Koe 7-6 on Sunday night to win the Tim Hortons Brier for the first time.

After a back-and-forth affair, Gushue had hammer in the 10th end and used it to his advantage. He hit a draw for the single point to send the raucous capacity crowd at Mile One Centre into a tizzy.

Gushue threw his broom in the air in celebration when his stone moved into the eight-foot ring and just past the Canada rock for the victory.

This was Gushue’s 14th career appearance at the Brier. The 2006 Olympic champion lost in last year’s final to Koe and fell to Ontario’s Glenn Howard in the 2007 final.

Gushue is the first Newfoundlander to hoist the Brier Tankard since Jack MacDuff in 1976.

Koe was looking for his fourth career Brier crown. He also won in 2010 and 2014.

After an opening blank, the local favourites took advantage after Canada second Brent Laing flashed a stone. With Newfoundland and Labrador sitting three, Koe took one opposition stone out with his last throw but Gushue followed with a draw for a 3-0 lead.

The St. John’s side battled some injuries throughout the competition. Gushue has been somewhat limited all season due to a hip/groin issue and lead Geoff Walker is nursing a shoulder injury.

Newfoundland and Labrador vice-skip Mark Nichols frequently helped Walker and second Brett Gallant with sweeping duties.