'Everything I've ever dreamed of': Regina Cougars curling to represent Canada at World University Games

U of R Curling team heads to Italy WATCH: Donovan Maess has more from the U of R Curling team as they head to Italy for the World University Games.

The University of Regina Men’s Curling team is preparing for the international stage as they gear up as Team Canada for the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games.

Skip Josh Bryden called wearing the Maple Leaf an incredible opportunity.

"It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of," he told CTV News. "I never thought I’d get a red jacket before a green one."

The Cougars, who curl out of the Callie Curling Club in Regina, earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the games by winning the 2024 USports National Championships in March after defeating Dalhousing University in the gold medal game.

The match swung in Team Bryden’s favour after a five-point 8th end, which broke a 3-3 tie.

Second Carter Williamson has been with the team for about three years.

He says the thought of donning the Team Canada jacket never crossed his mind.

"We didn’t even think [that] the day before the final," Williamson said. "But it was the most focused I’ve seen my guys and it was the best game we’ve ever played as a team."

Team Assistant Coach, Ryan Grabarczyk, was the team’s lead for the 2024 national championship. But due to FISU age eligibility rules, is unable to participate in these games.

“I’m just trying to do everything I can to support them,” he said. “And I’m just so happy [for the team] to get this opportunity and be a part of an event like this is absolutely incredible.”

"Growing up, we’d always watch the [Kevin] Koes or [Brad] Gushues," Williamson said. "And wearing the same maple leaf as my heroes is pretty special."

Preparing for Italy

The FISU Winter Games run Jan. 13-23 in Torino, Italy.

Bryden says taking on some of the best university curlers in the world will be a challenge.

"We know the countries, but don’t really know the players," he said. "We’re going up against an opponent we don’t know much about."

But he added the gameplan is simple.

"Stick with it and grind it out. Whoever lasts the longest will be successful," Bryden said.

As life-long curlers, the team says they know there is extra pressure accompanied by wearing the Maple Leaf internationally.

"But we’re just five dudes from Regina," Williamson said. "There’s a lot of history with [Canada] and curling. But I’m not giving [the pressure] much though."

And while goal is gold, the team is making sure they enjoy their experience.

"Obviously, it’d be nice to win," Bryden said. "But its an incredible opportunity. So, we’ll take it all in and enjoy what [Italy] has to offer."

"We play best when we’re loose," Williamson said. "I’ll just [be] making sure to crack as many jokes as possible when I’m out on the ice."

The event is extra special for the skip whose father, Randy, is also representing Canada at the 2025 Senior Men’s World Curling Championships this year.

"Being able to watch and learn from them is super cool,” Bryden said. “Then being able to play on my own and have success with my own team is really exciting."

What's next for Team Bryden?

Following the FISU Games, The Cougars will have less than a week to prepare for the Canada West Conference championships in Calgary.

The Callie-rink team will then look to defend their national championship in Lethbridge, Alta. at the end of February.

"Playing lots of games certainly helps get you ready," Bryden said.

The 2024 national championship also saw Team Bryden granted a bid to the 2024 PointsBet Invitational last September.

But they lost to former Team Canada Olympic Skip Kevin Koe in the opening round.

With the team’s early success, Bryden says they are beginning to look even further down the road.

"The goal is to go to the Brier one day," he said.

"That’s definitely been a long-term goal in mind," Williamson added. "But I’ve just been thinking about Italy and just going out and throwing rocks with the guys."

"For now, it’s just about doing well at this event and enjoying that," Bryden said.