Top male curlers from across the country will be competing in London over the coming weeks at the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier.
The tournament will be held at Budweiser Gardens and kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. The event will continue through Sunday, March 12 with the final game scheduled for 7 p.m.
This is the first time since 2011 that London has hosted the tournament.
“The Tim Hortons Brier is one of the most recognizable sporting events in Canada, dating back more than 90 years. It brings Canadians together for the largest, most recognizable and most celebrated curling event in the country,” said Kyle Jahns, manager of communication and media relations for Curling Canada.
A total of 18 teams, including Team Canada, 14 provincial and territorial championship teams, and three “wildcard” teams, will compete for the Tim Hortons Brier Tankard. The winners will also represent Canada at the 2023 BKT Tires & OK Tire World Men’s Championship being held in Ottawa starting April 1.
The opening games will feature the reigning champions from last year’s tournament as well as the host Ontario team from Toronto. Team Canada will once again be skipped by Brad Gushue of St. John’s, while Ontario will be skipped by Mike McEwen.
Friday’s matches will see Team Canada come up against a rookie team from British Columbia, while Ontario faces Quebec’s Team Félix Asselin.
The top-ranked team in the tournament hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba and will play their first game on Saturday.
Each team will play a total of eight games in their respective pools and the top three teams in each will advance to the playoffs.
The full schedule is posted online.
Many curling fans are eager for this year’s Tim Hortons Brier, being the first high-profile curling tournament since the 2022 Olympics. Teams have since shifted their lineups in preparation for the next winter games, and this will be the first time fans will see the new lineups in action.
For those interested in watching, Curling Canada confirms the tournament will be televised, and spectators are welcome to purchase tickets.
“It’s going to be a lively and fun event for curling and sports fans alike. It’s not often an event like this comes to town, and it’s something you won’t want to miss,” said Jahns. “In between draws we also host The Original 16 Patch at RBC Place London. It’s curling’s party place and the place to be between and after games. There are opportunities to receive autographs from teams, games, live music, food and also an Artisan Market this Sunday. It’s free to enter and open to the general public.”
2023 will be the 18th and final year Tim Hortons sponsors the annual tournament, according to Jahns. Curling Canada is currently exploring new title partnerships.
