The playoff picture at this year's Brier as veterans and underdogs pull out the stops

In a Brier that has been full of twists and turns, including a number of unexpected results, the playoff field is now set as the field of 18 teams has been trimmed to just six.

Saskatchewan's Mike McEwen, who placed first in Pool B with a 7-1 record, takes on Alberta's Brendan Bottcher in the 1 vs. 2 qualifying game.

Team Canada's Brad Gushue is set to square off against Manitoba's Reid Carruthers, who placed first in Pool A with a 7-1 round-robin record, in another qualifying game.

Those four teams placed in the top two of their pools.

Manitoba's Matt Dunstone grabbed the last playoff spot in Pool A with a win over Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday night.

Perhaps the most remarkable story circles around the Northwest Territories and the team from Yellowknife.

Skip Jamie Koe, in his 17th appearance at the national championship, was able to defeat Prince Edward Island in a dramatic extra end finish on Thursday afternoon to clinch third in Pool B and grab the final playoff spot.

It's just the second time in Brier history the Northwest Territories has qualified for the playoffs. Koe also clinched the other playoff berth in 2012.

"Pretty incredible moment. It's just wild. Everyone came down to the ice after the game and were crying. Dad was crying. It got me going," Koe said, with tears in his eyes.

"We looked at the pools when we got here and wondered if we could make the playoffs. It's surreal. We got it done. It just all came together."

Northwest Territories has received support from curling fans all across the country, especially in the North.

"People are rooting for us. We're one of the underdogs and we'll enjoy this moment," Koe said.

Saskatchewan's Mike McEwen rink earned the top spot in the pool with a 7-1 record.

It's been 44 years since Saskatchewan last won a Brier title — Rick Folk in 1980 — the same year McEwen was born. The veteran skip, in his ninth Brier appearance, is brimming with confidence and feels this might just be the moment he wins his first title and snaps the Saskatchewan Brier drought.

"I can't imagine being any hungrier than I am. I got a lot to play for," McEwen said after his final round robin game on Thursday afternoon. "I have two little girls that love to inspire, great family, support, great sponsors of our team that allow us to actually go out and do this. And then by extension of my own teammates and their support networks, like we we just have a ton to play for."

McEwen says his team is focused and playing the best curling they've played all season.

"I can't imagine anybody being hungrier than they already are at this moment."

WATCH | A word from the hometown favourites: 

Team Sask. skip grateful for opportunity at Brier

9 months ago

Duration 1:34

Team Saskatchewan skip Mike McEwen said Wednesday that he is grateful for his team and the opportunity he has at this year's Brier in Regina.

Saskatchewan will be bolstered by the support of a curling-crazed province's fan base. The Brandt Centre in Regina has been loud throughout the event when Saskatchewan is playing.

That's expected to hit a different level during the playoff games. Brad Gushue, in his 21st appearance at the Brier, is the defending champion and riding a four-game winning streak going into Friday's playoff games.

He's won five of the last seven championships and is brimming with confidence.

But there are great expectations with being Team Canada by virtue of being last year's champion.

"Everybody wants to beat us. So that's the hardest thing. Everybody's going to bring their best against you when you wear the maple leaf," Gushue said. "And while it's a complete honour, it's also a challenge because everybody wants to beat you. Whoever makes the playoffs is going to want to be this when they're playing us and we're going to want to do the same to them."

Gushue won his second Brier title six years ago when the Brier was last held at the Brandt Centre in Regina.

WATCH | Will Gushue snag another win? He sure hopes so: 

Brad Gushue hopeful the team can 'put it all together' for record 6th Brier title

9 months ago

Duration 20:21

Team Canada skip Brad Gushue and Team Bottcher lead Ben Hebert join That Curling Show to help set up the 2024 Brier in Regina.

Dunstone, in his sixth Brier appearance, says despite having to fight their way into the playoffs he likes where the team is going into a Friday night elimination game.

"We did what we had to do but we still have a lot of work to do. Still alive. As long as we're still alive that's where we want to be," Dunstone said.

"When we're going, we're as good as anybody. We're just going to go out and give 'er hell. I like where we're at."

Dunstone and Koe will play Friday evening in Regina.

Playoff games will be held Friday and Saturday with the semifinal and championship game being held on Sunday. The winner of this year's Brier will represent Canada at the men's world curling championship in Switzerland at the beginning of April.