Asian and Black skips look to carve a place in curling history at Brier

By Canadian Press on February 27, 2026.

ST. JOHN’S — Two curlers believed to be the first Black and Asian skips in Brier history are set to break new ground as Canada’s national men’s curling championship opens today.

Cody Tanaka says it wasn’t until he and his team won the provincial championships in British Columbia to qualify for the Brier that someone suggested he would be the first Asian skip at the national event.

Tanaka, of Tsawwassen, B.C., says he is honoured to be making history.

He says the team’s practice went well this morning and it felt good to be back on the ice.

Meanwhile, Team Ontario’s Jayden King is believed to be the first Black skip to compete at the Brier.

The first draw of the 2026 Brier is set for 7:30 p.m. local time (6 p.m. ET).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press