Bruce Hebert’s loyalties divided at Brier — sort of

While he isn’t completely torn on who to cheer for at the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, Regina’s Bruce Hebert does admit it’s a close race.

Hebert’s son Ben is the lead on Kevin Koe’s Team Canada entry. Bruce’s nephew Dustin Kidby, meanwhile, is the lead for Matt Dunstone’s Saskatchewan foursome.

“You’ve got to pull for the son first, right?” Bruce told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday. “I go for Benny and then a really close second is Dustin and Saskatchewan.

“Dunstone and the boys are playing great. I’m wishing them all the best, but I’ve still got to give Benny a little edge.”

Bruce travelled to Kingston, Ont., for the 2020 Canadian men’s curling championship.

While Ben has won the Brier four times — including 2019 in Brandon — Saskatchewan is looking for its first Brier title since 1980.

Koe and Dunstone clashed on Tuesday at the Brier, with Saskatchewan being on the right end of a 5-4 decision.

“Dave Kidby (Dustin’s dad) and me always kid around that we’re going to cheer for good shots, which you need to do when you’re up against each other,” Bruce Hebert said. “You want both teams to win when something like that happens. It’s pretty fun.”

Along with the play on the ice, the elder Hebert said the entire event has been great.

“Kingston’s putting on a terrific show here,” he said. “It’s a great facility. The Patch, which is a part of every Brier, is fantastic and the curling has been terrific. It’s really special to watch.”

Both teams began play in the championship round Thursday afternoon, with Canada playing Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan taking on the undefeated Alberta rink.