On Monday, Regina’s Joshua Bryden's scenario was simple: if his 5-2 team topped 1-7 Great Britain, they would clinch a playoff spot at the FISU World University Winter Games.
The Brits, however, made it anything but simple. After earning the last rock advantage to start the game, Bryden was patient in the opening end, earning a blank. In the second end, Great Britain increased the pressure, forcing Bryden to take a single point.
In the third end, the Canadians returned the favour, pouring on the pressure, forcing Great Britain to take a point of their own with the hammer. That trend continued in the fourth end when Canada was forced to make a single point. So, the teams entered the mid-game break with a 2-1 lead.
The teams blanked the fifth and sixth ends before Bryden forced Great Britain to take a single point with their last rock in the seventh end.
Bryden had the advantage in the last end, tied 2-2 with the hammer, but Great Britain was able to steal one for a 3-2 victory.
Bryden’s team finished the round-robin with a 5-3 record. However, thanks to some help from Norway and the U.S. in the final draw, the Canadians would still clinch a playoff spot and the third seed entering the semifinals.
Canada takes on the United States Tuesday. The winner advances to the gold medal game where they will play the winner of the Norway and Switzerland contest.
