Introduction

In a surprising twist in the world of curling, Team Brad Gushue has officially announced the addition of former skip Brendan Bottcher as their new second, filling the void left by E.J. Harnden. The announcement was made on social media Tuesday morning, sending ripples of excitement through the curling community.

Bottcher's Role

Bottcher, known for his exceptional skills as a skip, will assume the second position for the three-time defending Brier champions, which also includes third Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker. His debut with Team Gushue is slated for the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championship in Lacombe, Alberta, which is set to take place from October 27 to November 2.

The Decision

The decision to bring Bottcher on board comes after a surprising split with Harnden last week, which caught many fans off guard. At just 32 years old, Bottcher was looking for new opportunities after being released by his previous team, which consisted of curling stars Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert after two seasons together.

Bottcher's Statement

"This new role presents fresh challenges and exciting opportunities," Bottcher shared in a statement. "I am thrilled to bring my experience and passion to one of the most respected teams in curling. I look forward to collaborating with my new teammates and building this next chapter together."

Mixed Doubles

In addition to his role with Team Gushue, Bottcher confirmed that he will continue participating in mixed doubles alongside Rachel Homan but will step away from coaching Homan's four-person team this season.

Career Highlights

Bottcher's career highlights include clinching his first and only Brier Tankard in 2021 within the Calgary bubble, marking the final of four consecutive Brier final appearances. It's noteworthy that Brad Gushue triumphed over Bottcher in both the 2018 and 2020 Brier finals, setting the stage for this unexpected partnership.

Gushue's Enthusiasm

Gushue, at 44, expressed his excitement about the new addition: "We're thrilled to have Brendan join our team. His skills and experience will be invaluable, and his connection with Geoff and our coach, Jeff Hoffart, will undoubtedly strengthen our overall team dynamic."

Team Synergy

Interestingly, both Bottcher and Walker are based in Edmonton, which could enhance their coordination and teamwork as they prepare for the upcoming competitive season. Team Gushue has a remarkable track record, having claimed three consecutive Canadian men's curling championships, although they have faced disappointment by finishing as runners-up in the World Men's Curling Championship for the past three years. Gushue holds six Brier Tankards, all won since 2017, and the team is currently ranked third in the world behind Scotland's Team Bruce Mouat and Italy's Team Joel Retornaz.

Upcoming Competitions

Looking ahead, Team Gushue is set to represent Canada at the Kelowna Brier in March and has already secured a spot in the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials. So far this season, they have a record of 12-5 over three events, although they faced setbacks in the finals of the PointsBet Invitational and the Tour Challenge, losing to Saskatoon's Team Mike McEwen and Team Mouat, respectively.

Spare for Upcoming Events

As a testament to their commitment to success, Adam Casey will step in as a spare for Team Gushue during the upcoming Henderson's Steel Fall Classic in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, due to Bottcher's mixed doubles scheduling conflict.

Conclusion

Curious to see how this new lineup unfolds? Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling season ahead with Team Gushue and their fresh dynamics!