When asked what it feels like to be competing in Italy on behalf of the University of Regina and his country, Joshua Bryden, (Business, majoring in accounting) skip of the Cougars Men's Curling team, takes a moment to consider and replies, "We played fairly well this year and we knew we had it in us to win, but every game was so close - the competition never let up. So, we're excited, of course, but really, it's super humbling to have won the nationals and to have this international opportunity."
There are lots of excellent examples of great curlers out there, but I grew up watching my dad play. I can honestly say that he's one of the smartest curlers I've seen. He's a skip, too, and his team won that Seniors Nationals last April - a month after our win. So, it's been kind of cool to celebrate together. Joshua Bryden, 4th year Business (Accounting) and Cougars Men's Curling team skip
When Bryden and his team won against Dalhousie University Tigers at the U Sports National Finals in Lethbridge in March 2024, it was a fitting culmination to a year of hard work and hours of practice at the rink. "Our team members have played a lot together. In terms of training, we work to stay fit both physically and mentally. Resources provided from USports helped by providing a mental trainer which has helped us keep things in perspective and focus during play," says Bryden.
Joining Bryden in Italy for the Torino FISU 2025 Winter World University Games are: 3rd Adam Bukurak (Business, majoring in accounting); 2nd Carter Williamson (Business, majoring in marketing); Lead Ayden Whittmire (Kinesiology), Team Manager: Ryan Grabarczyk (Psychology); and, Jamie Schneider, Coach. The team left Regina on January 9 and after a day of sightseeing, will be ready for the opening on January 13, along with more than 2,500 student-athletes from 54 countries.
Cheer on the team and stay up date on the curling results by following the University of Regina Cougars and University of Regina on Facebook.
"When we play Saskatchewan teams, we pretty much know everyone and are friends with many, but Bryden is quick to point out that it's not about friendship on the ice. "Everyone is respectful, but we're all there to play well and win," explain Bryden. "Curling is a bit like chess in terms of strategy, so, we're all so focused on the game and our strategy, we really don't get caught up in our opponents or the crowd. We each concentrate on playing our personal best working hard together as a team." He's quick to point out that no matter what happens on the ice, all of the teams come together at the annual USports Banquet to congratulate one another on another good year of the sport they love.
Cougars Men's Curling team celebrates their win at the 2024 USports Men's Curling Championship in March in Lethbridge, AB. (Pictured are: Top L-R: Jamie Schneider, Coach; Ayden Whittmire, Alternate Bottom L-R: Carter Williamson, 2nd ; Joshua Bryden, Skip; Adam Burkurak, 3rd; Ryan Grabarczyk, Lead). Photo credit: U of R Athletics
Practice takes up a lot of time, but Bryden and his teammates ensure that that keen focus extends to their studies and are thankful for the support of their professors who work with them to ensure they are on track for academic as well as athletic success.
Curling is pretty much a staple of life on the Prairies, so it's no surprise that when asked what curlers he looks up to, Bryden responds, "There are lots of excellent examples of great curlers out there, but I grew up watching my dad play. I can honestly say that he's one of the smartest curlers I've seen. He's a skip, too, and his team won that Seniors Nationals last April - a month after our win. So, it's been kind of cool to celebrate together."
Cougars Men's Team heads to Italy for the Torino FISU 2025 Winter World University Games [Pictured L-R Joshua Bryden (Skip), Adam Burkurak (3rd), Carter Williamson (2nd), Ayden Whittmire (Lead)]. Photo credit: FISU
The Cougars Men's Curling Team can't rest on their laurels, though, as they start right back into their season when they return from Italy. But, right at this moment, they are in a four-way tie alongside Great Britain, Germany, and host Italy.
Go Cougars!
