Curler Sandy MacEwan finally realizes Brier dream

Sandy MacEwan, 40, defeated defending champion John Epping 6-5 to win the Northern Ontario men's curling championship in North Bay and secure his first provincial title and a spot at the Brier, which begins Feb. 27 in St. John's.

Sandy MacEwan, a 40-year-old skip from Sudbury, won the Northern Ontario men's curling championship in North Bay and will be a Brier rookie. The final came down to one shot late in the match, and MacEwan completed an open draw to the rings for a 6-5 win over defending champion John Epping. The win was MacEwan's first provincial title and was marked by emotion, including a tribute to his late father. Key facts: - MacEwan opened the final with a steal of two and finished with a 6-5 victory over John Epping. - The match turned in the ninth end when Epping took the lead 5-4, but a final draw by MacEwan secured the win. - Team MacEwan includes lead Lee Toner, second Luc Ouimet, third Dustin Montepellier and alternate Olivier Bonin-Ducharme. - MacEwan noted past provincial final losses and dedicated the win in part to his late father, Malcolm, who died last January. Summary: The win gives MacEwan and his team their first provincial title and a berth at the Brier, which begins Feb. 27 in St. John's. The team will carry the momentum of this emotional victory into the national event, and the immediate next milestone is the Brier's start date.