Defending champion Gushue kicks off Brier against B.C.’s Gauthier

LONDON, Ont. — Brad Gushue is set to begin his title defence at the Canadian men’s curling championship.

The St. John’s, N.L., native will take on Jacques Gauthier’s B.C. rink in today’s opening draw. 

Gushue’s team won a national title, Olympic bronze and world championship silver last year. The rink got an automatic entry into the Tim Hortons Brier as defending champion.

Meanwhile, Brendan Bottcher’s wild-card team faces P.E.I.’s Tyler Smith. Bottcher’s decorated rink rose to No. 2 in the national rankings with a Canadian Open victory in January.