Team Dunstone will cherish playing in the Men’s World Curling Championship

Matt Dunstone is heading to the Men's World Curling Championship for the first time this week. Canada plays Korea on Friday.

Matt Dunstone’s rink was one of the best stories of this year’s Brier.

Dunstone had been close before but had never won the Canadian Championship, and it was emotional for him and his teammates to finally get it done.

As good as that feeling was, Dunstone says he’s moved on and is excited to wear the Maple Leaf and represent Canada at the World Curling Championships in Utah starting on Friday.

“There was a lot of storylines for each of us individually on why representing Canada would mean a lot to us,” he said.

“That’s what’s going to make this World Championship special. (We’re) not going to take it for granted obviously. Canadian curling has been on a nice little stretch here and I’m excited to be part of that and hopefully continue that run that we’ve been on.”

Will be ready

Like the Women’s World Championship in Calgary, some of the bigger men’s teams like Scotland won’t be in the field. But third Colton Lott says there’s still good competition and Canada will be ready.

“I think for us it doesn’t matter who we play,” Lott said.

“We’re going to go out there and stick to our game plan and stick with in the team and perform at the best that we can.”

E.J. Harnden’s last hurrah

The Harndens, also known as the broom brothers, round out Team Dunstone. For E.J. Harnden, this will be his last time competing in the World Championship before he retires from curling. He says he’s going to soak it all in.

“It just feels like a bonus,” Harnden said.

“There’s a lightness … and an excitement that I feel and I haven’t felt this way in a number of years. I’m really looking forward to getting on the plane and starting this process and this journey with the guys.”

His brother Ryan says it’s also going to be special for him. Getting to be there on the ice with his older brother when it’s all said and done.

“Seeing E.J. being in his last event, it’s going to be special to end it together,” the younger Harnden said.

Play at the Worlds begins on Friday. Canada’s first game will be against Korea.