In a groundbreaking moment for Canadian curling, Cody Tanaka and Jayden King are poised to make history as the first Asian and Black skips, respectively, in the storied tradition of the Brier. As they prepare to compete in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, their participation not only marks a significant milestone in the sport’s inclusivity but also highlights the evolving face of curling in Canada.
A New Era in Curling
Cody Tanaka, hailing from Tsawwassen, British Columbia, expressed his pride after his team secured a spot in the Brier by winning the provincial championships. “It’s an honour,” Tanaka remarked following a practice session at the Mary Brown’s Centre. His journey in curling began in high school, where he quickly fell in love with the sport’s competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, Jayden King, a 23-year-old from Tillsonburg, Ontario, also stands at the forefront of change. With roots tracing back to Trinidad and Tobago through his father, King is focused on the competition rather than the significance of his achievement. “It feels great,” he shared, his enthusiasm palpable. “Obviously, being at the Brier is a great accomplishment, and I’m just happy to be here with my team and now get started.”
King leads a young and dynamic team, which includes third Dylan Niepage, who is deaf and uses cochlear implants. The team, all under 25, has made an impressive ascent, moving from a world ranking of 40th to 18th after claiming the Ontario men’s championship.
Legacy and Celebration
This year’s Brier is not just a platform for emerging talent but also a stage for established legends. Celebrated skip Brad Gushue of St. John’s is set to participate in his final national championship, adding a layer of emotion to the event. As he competes on home ice, Gushue’s farewell will undoubtedly resonate with fans and fellow competitors alike.
In the coaching corner, Tanaka’s team is guided by Josh Miki, a third-generation Brier participant. Miki’s family has a rich history in the sport; his grandfather was the first player of Japanese descent to participate in the Brier, and his father clinched the title in 2000. “I grew up watching my dad compete all the time, so I spent a lot of time at curling rinks,” Miki reflected. “I’ve just loved the game since I’ve been a kid.”
Promoting Inclusivity in Curling
Curling Canada is actively working to enhance diversity within the sport, spearheaded by Richard Norman, the organisation’s director of community futures and innovations. Norman has implemented various initiatives aimed at broadening participation across different communities, ensuring that curling becomes a more inclusive sport. With resources available to clubs, the focus is on creating environments where all individuals feel welcome.
Tanaka, who admires teams such as Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba, acknowledged the competitive nature of the Brier. “I hope we get a couple of wins here and there, but it’ll be cool to soak in the atmosphere and see all the fans,” he said, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship that characterises this national championship.
King, too, hopes to leverage his “quiet leadership” to guide his team through the tournament. “We want to be around at the end of the week for sure,” he stated with determination, underscoring his team’s aspirations after a successful tour season. The stakes are high, as this year’s champion will represent Canada at the 2026 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship in Utah.
Why it Matters
The participation of Cody Tanaka and Jayden King at the Brier not only signifies a pivotal moment in the sport’s history but also serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of curlers from diverse backgrounds. Their achievements highlight the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity in curling, challenging traditional narratives and inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams. As they take to the ice, their stories will resonate far beyond the competition, encouraging a more diverse participation in a sport that continues to evolve.
