The PointsBet Invitational has rapidly become one of the premier events on the curling calendar, attracting top-tier talent from across Canada. On October 1, 2023, the final of the Men’s PointsBet Invitational was set to take place in Calgary, pitting two of the most decorated and respected teams in Canadian curling against each other: Team Gushue and Team McEwen. Both teams are well-known names in curling circles, and their matchup in this final was highly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, with curling enthusiasts from all over the country tuning in to witness what promised to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Team Gushue: Veterans on a Mission
Led by Brad Gushue, Team Gushue is one of the most consistent and successful curling teams in the modern era. Gushue, hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, has been at the top of the curling world for years, and his team’s track record speaks for itself. With multiple Brier championships, an Olympic gold medal (2006), and a slew of Grand Slam titles, Gushue’s team has set a high standard for excellence.
At the core of Team Gushue’s success is its experience and synergy. Gushue himself is renowned for his precise shot-making, cool-headed strategy, and ability to perform under pressure. His teammates, Mark Nichols (third), E.J. Harnden (second), and Geoff Walker (lead), round out one of the most complete teams in the sport. Nichols, in particular, has been Gushue’s long-time right-hand man and a fellow Olympic champion, while Harnden and Walker bring both power and finesse to the team’s front-end game. Their chemistry and ability to execute in high-pressure situations have made them perennial contenders in every event they enter.
In the lead-up to the PointsBet Invitational final, Team Gushue was in strong form. They cruised through the earlier rounds of the tournament, showcasing their ability to handle a variety of ice conditions and opponents. While every team in the Invitational brings its best, Gushue’s experience and track record made them favorites coming into the final. However, they were well aware that Team McEwen would not be an easy team to overcome.
Team McEwen: The Challenger with Something to Prove
On the other side of the rink, Team McEwen was eager to make its mark on the PointsBet Invitational. Mike McEwen, the skip of this Winnipeg-based team, is another name that has been synonymous with elite curling for more than a decade. Like Gushue, McEwen has seen success at various levels of the sport, including multiple Grand Slam titles. However, unlike Gushue, McEwen has often found himself just shy of the top prize in some of curling’s biggest events, with the elusive Brier title being one of the few accolades missing from his résumé.
The current iteration of Team McEwen features a talented and well-balanced lineup, with Reid Carruthers (third), Derek Samagalski (second), and Colin Hodgson (lead). Carruthers, a former skip in his own right, brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the team, while Samagalski and Hodgson provide the consistency and shot-making needed to compete at the highest level. Their balance of youthful energy and veteran savvy made Team McEwen a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.
McEwen’s team arrived at the final after overcoming stiff competition in the earlier rounds of the Invitational. Known for his aggressive shot-making and tactical unpredictability, McEwen’s style contrasts somewhat with Gushue’s more methodical approach. This clash of styles set the stage for a compelling final, with fans and analysts eager to see how the two teams’ strategies would play out against one another.
The Final Showdown: Team Gushue vs. Team McEwen
The final of the PointsBet Invitational promised to be a tightly contested battle between two of the best curling teams in the world. Gushue’s reputation for precision and control would be tested against McEwen’s creativity and flair. Both teams boasted deep rosters and skips capable of making clutch shots under pressure, ensuring that the game would likely come down to execution in the key moments.
For Team Gushue, the strategy was likely to revolve around controlling the house early and minimizing mistakes. Gushue’s teams are known for their ability to set up end after end, forcing their opponents into difficult situations and capitalizing on even the smallest errors. With Nichols calling the game alongside Gushue, and Harnden and Walker setting up strong positions in the early ends, Team Gushue was expected to keep a tight grip on the proceedings.
Team McEwen, meanwhile, was expected to play a more aggressive game, looking to create opportunities with offensive setups. McEwen is known for his willingness to take risks, often playing high-stakes shots that, when executed perfectly, can lead to big scores. His team’s ability to generate offense with creative shot-making would be crucial if they were to outmaneuver Team Gushue’s more conservative approach. Carruthers, as the team’s third, would play a vital role in supporting McEwen’s strategy, while Samagalski and Hodgson would need to be rock-solid on the front end.
Key Matchups and Tactics
One of the key matchups in this final was between the two thirds, Mark Nichols and Reid Carruthers. Both players have extensive experience in high-pressure situations, and their ability to set up their respective skips for success was likely to be a deciding factor. Nichols is known for his ability to make clutch shots, while Carruthers, a former skip himself, is well-versed in the strategic nuances of the game.
The front-end battle between E.J. Harnden and Geoff Walker for Team Gushue, and Derek Samagalski and Colin Hodgson for Team McEwen, was also expected to be intense. Both front ends are known for their sweeping prowess and ability to dictate the pace of play, meaning that whichever pair could gain the upper hand would give their team a significant advantage.
Tactically, Gushue’s team was expected to focus on controlling the center of the house, forcing McEwen into challenging angles and shots. Conversely, McEwen’s team would look to spread the play, using corner guards and attempting to generate multiple scoring opportunities. McEwen’s ability to navigate tricky setups and make runbacks or doubles would be critical if Team McEwen hoped to outscore Gushue.
The Legacy of the PointsBet Invitational
As the 2023 PointsBet Invitational final unfolded, it was clear that the event had cemented itself as one of the most exciting fixtures on the curling calendar. The single-elimination format added a layer of intensity to each match, with no room for error, making every game a must-win scenario. For both Team Gushue and Team McEwen, the stakes were high—not just in terms of prize money and ranking points, but also in terms of legacy.
For Gushue, another victory would add to his already impressive résumé and further solidify his place among the all-time greats of the sport. For McEwen, a win would be a testament to his perseverance and skill, potentially serving as a springboard for future success in his quest for that elusive Brier championship.
Ultimately, this final was not just about the prize at stake, but also about showcasing the very best of Canadian curling. Both teams brought their A-game to the rink, delivering a thrilling contest that highlighted the skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that define this beloved sport. Fans across the curling world eagerly awaited the outcome, knowing that they were witnessing history in the making.
