Defending champ Gushue beats Koe in extra end to secure playoff berth at Brier

KELOWNA, B.C. — Brad Gushue has cleared the first hurdle in his pursuit of a record fourth straight title at the Montana’s Brier.

The St. John’s skip secured a playoff berth Wednesday with a 7-6, extra-end victory over Alberta’s Kevin Koe at Prospera Place.

Gushue leads the nine-team Pool A standings at 6-0. Even if he were to lose his two remaining round-robin games, Gushue would win a tiebreaker given his head-to-head record.

Pool B leader Mike McEwen (6-0) of Saskatchewan and Alberta’s Brad Jacobs (5-0) have a chance to secure playoff berths later in the day depending on Draw 14 results.