The 2009 Tim Hortons Brier, the Canadian men's national curling championship, was held March 7–15 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary. The Brier was billed as one of the best in history, as it included six former champion skips, as well as the defending Olympic champion Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador, who had yet to even win a Brier. The former champions included the defending champion Alberta rink, skipped by Kevin Martin, 2007 Brier champion Glenn Howard of Ontario, 2006 champion Jean-Michel Ménard of Quebec, 2004 champion Mark Dacey of Nova Scotia, 1996 & 1999 champion Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba, and 1987 & 1993 champion Russ Howard of New Brunswick (formerly from Ontario). Rounding out the field were Sean Geall of BC, Jamie Koe of the Territories, Joel Jordison of Saskatch