Defending champion Brad Gushue opens with victory at Montana's Brier

Records aren't on Brad Gushue's mind at the Montana's Brier, in Kelowna, B.C.

Another title for the reigning Canadian men's curling champion would make him the first skip to win four straight Brier crowns. Gushue, vice Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker are also tied with Randy Ferbey for the most all-time Brier titles with six. 

Reaching the top of the podium during the annual, national championship at Prospera Place would give the St. John's skip a much-wanted automatic berth in the 2026 playdowns.

"If I had to pick a main motivator this week it would be making sure we're team Canada in St. John's next year," Gushue said. "I think that's the biggest goal for us and hopefully we can make it happen."

Gushue, who opened with a 9-2 win over Newfoundland and Labrador's Ty Dilello on Friday night, won the Brier for the first time in 2017 in a memorable national playdowns in his hometown. 

Currently ranked fourth in Canada, he's on the bubble for earning one of the pre-qualified spots at next year's event. The season-ending Players' Championship in April will be the final event before the rankings are locked in.

"There's some pressure there for sure … we've got to finish the season strong," he said. "Obviously if we win here this week that seals that. If we don't win, we have to hope that one of the teams ahead of us win."

If the Brier winner finishes in the top three, the fourth-ranked team would secure the last pre-qualified spot in the 18-team field.

Manitoba's Matt Dunstone is currently the Canadian No. 1. He's followed by Alberta's Brad Jacobs and Saskatchewan's Mike McEwen.

Gushue is just ahead of fifth-ranked John Epping of Northern Ontario.         

"We know there's a lot on the line," Gushue said. "We don't want to