Two curlers, Cody Tanaka and Jayden King, are believed to be the first Asian and Black skips in the history of the Brier, Canada's national men's curling championship, which opens in St. John's on February 27, 2026. Tanaka, representing British Columbia, and King, from Ontario, expressed honor and excitement after practice sessions. The event marks significant milestones in the sport's diversity efforts.
The 2026 Brier begins on Friday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, with the first draw scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time (6 p.m. ET) at the Mary Brown's Centre. Cody Tanaka, skip of Team British Columbia from Tsawwassen, B.C., learned he would be the first Asian skip at the event only after winning the provincial championships. "It’s an honour," Tanaka said after a practice session. He was drawn to curling through his high school's league, appreciating its competitiveness, and identified Team Saskatchewan, skipped by Mike McEwen, and Team Manitoba, led by Matt Dunstone, as favorites to beat. Tanaka hopes for some wins while soaking in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Jayden King, the 23-year-old skip of Team Ontario from Tillsonburg, Ont., is believed to be the first Black skip at the Brier. His father immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, and King first tried the sport at age 11 after watching it on television. "It feels great," King said, grinning after practice. "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's young team, all under 25 and from the Tillsonburg Curling Club, includes third Dylan Niepage, who is deaf and wears cochlear implants. Ranked 40th in the world at the season's start, they climbed to No. 18 after winning the Ontario men's championship in January. King aims for playoffs with his "quiet leadership," noting a strong tour season.
The Brier also features other notable storylines. Brad Gushue, the celebrated skip from St. John's, announced it as his last national championship, expecting an emotional event on home ice. Josh Miki, coach for Team British Columbia, represents a third generation in the event; his grandfather, Fuji Miki, was the first player of Japanese descent at a Brier in 1979, and his father, Bryan Miki, won the 2000 Brier.
Curling Canada has increased efforts to diversify the sport under director Richard Norman, offering resources for inclusive clubs and tailored outreach. The champion will represent Canada at the 2026 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship in Utah.