Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen in Brier final with semifinal win over Alberta’s Bottcher

Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen advanced to the final of the Canadian men’s curling championship with a 7-3 semifinal win over Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher on Sunday.

A Saskatchewan team reached the Brier final for the first time since Brad Heidt lost to Kerry Burtnyk in 1995 in Halifax.

McEwen will attempt to end a 43-year Brier drought for the province. The last Saskatchewan team to win it was Rick Folk’s in 1980.

The host province is a win away from the championship, but faces defending champion Brad Gushue chasing a three-peat and the sixth Brier title of his career.