As the Montana 2026 Brier unfolds in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, two curlers are poised to make significant strides in the sport’s history. Cody Tanaka from British Columbia and Jayden King from Ontario are believed to be the first Black and Asian skips to compete in Canada’s premier men’s curling championship. Their participation not only marks a milestone for representation but also highlights the evolving landscape of curling in Canada.
Breaking New Ground
Cody Tanaka, a proud representative of Tsawwassen, B.C., found himself reflecting on the significance of his role as he trained for the competition. It was only upon securing his team’s victory at the provincial championships that someone pointed out he would be the first Asian skip in the Brier’s long history. “It’s an honour,” Tanaka remarked following a practice session at the Mary Brown’s Centre. His journey into curling began in high school, drawn by the sport’s competitive nature and community spirit.
Meanwhile, Jayden King, the 23-year-old skip from Tillsonburg, Ontario, is making waves as the first Black skip to compete in the Brier. With roots tracing back to Trinidad and Tobago, King first picked up a curling stone at the age of eleven after watching the sport on television. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “It feels great… I’m just happy to be here with my team and now get started.”
A Unique Team Dynamic
King’s team embodies a spirit of diversity and resilience. His rink, which includes third Dylan Niepage—who is deaf and uses cochlear implants—consists of talented individuals all under the age of 25, recently transitioning from junior and university curling circuits. They began the season ranked 40th globally but have impressively climbed to 18th following their triumph at the Ontario men’s championship in January.
As they prepare to take on the competition, King is keen on leading his team with what he describes as “quiet leadership.” “We want to be around at the end of the week for sure,” he stated, confident in the strong performance they aim to deliver.
Legacy and Change in the Curling Community
The Brier this year is not just about individual achievements; it is also a celebration of legacies within the curling community. Veteran skip Brad Gushue, a celebrated figure in the sport, has announced that this championship will be his last, adding an emotional layer to the event as he competes on home turf.
Josh Miki, the coach of Tanaka’s team, comes from a lineage of curlers. His grandfather, Fuji Miki, was the first player of Japanese descent to participate in the Brier in 1979, while his father, Bryan Miki, clinched the title in 2000. “I grew up watching my dad compete all the time… I’ve just loved the game since I’ve been a kid,” Miki recalled, expressing his pride in continuing the family legacy by coaching at this prestigious event.
Curling Canada has actively sought to enhance inclusivity within the sport. Richard Norman, the organisation’s director of community futures and innovations, has spearheaded initiatives aimed at diversifying participation. These efforts include tailored outreach strategies and resources for clubs to create more welcoming environments for all participants.
Looking Ahead
Tanaka and King face formidable opponents at the Brier, with teams like Saskatchewan, led by Mike McEwen, and Manitoba, skipped by Matt Dunstone, emerging as strong contenders. Tanaka anticipates a thrilling atmosphere, eager to engage with the fans and make his mark. “I hope we get a couple wins here and there, but it’ll be cool to soak in the atmosphere,” he said, highlighting the event’s significance beyond just victories.
For King, the focus remains on guiding his team to playoff contention and achieving success after a robust tour season. He acknowledges the weight of the moment but maintains that the team’s camaraderie and skill will be their guiding light.
Why it Matters
The participation of Cody Tanaka and Jayden King at the Brier represents a transformative moment in the sport, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in curling. As they break barriers and set new precedents, their journeys inspire a new generation of curlers from all backgrounds to engage with the sport. This evolution not only enriches the curling community but also reinforces the message that talent knows no boundaries, paving the way for a more inclusive future in competitive sports.
