Team MacEwan wins Northern Ontario title and earns Brier berth

Sandy MacEwan's team defeated defending champion John Epping 6-5 to win the 2026 Northern Ontario men's curling championship in North Bay, and will represent the region at the Brier starting Feb. 27.

Sandy MacEwan's team won the 2026 Northern Ontario men's curling championship in North Bay on Sunday. The Sudbury skip, 40, beat defending champion John Epping 6-5 after a come-from-behind finish. The deciding end followed an attempted double takeout by Epping that removed only one stone, leaving MacEwan an open draw for the winning point. The victory earns the team a place at the Brier beginning Feb. 27. Key details: - Final score was 6-5 in favour of Team MacEwan. - Sandy MacEwan, 40, will be a Brier rookie with this win. - John Epping took a 5-4 lead in the ninth before his double takeout attempt left an opening for MacEwan's final draw. - Team MacEwan opened the game with a steal of two in the first end and maintained composure throughout the match. - The Brier is scheduled to begin Feb. 27, and Team MacEwan will represent Northern Ontario. Summary: The win gives Team MacEwan its first provincial title and secures their spot at the Brier in St. John's beginning Feb. 27. Team members reacted with visible emotion after the final shot, including a public acknowledgement by MacEwan to his late father.