In a bold move that sent ripples through the curling community, Team Gushue has announced the hiring of Brendan Bottcher to fill the second position previously occupied by E.J. Harnden, who parted ways with the team last week. This unexpected roster change is set to take effect as the team prepares for the upcoming Pan Continental championship, taking place from October 27 to November 2 in Lacombe, Alberta.

Bottcher, a seasoned skip known for his competitive prowess, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the St. John’s-based team. "Together they’re building a legacy and still possess the drive to continue winning," Bottcher remarked on his new teammates, which include skip Brad Gushue, vice Mark Nichols, and lead Geoff Walker. "I’m excited to be part of a team that consistently strives for greatness."

Previously a prominent skip who guided his team to significant victories, Bottcher was released in April and replaced by Brad Jacobs. Despite this setback, he shifted his focus to mixed doubles with fellow curler Rachel Homan and also took on a coaching role with her top-ranked women’s team. Bottcher said, "I was always open to the right opportunity. When Brad reached out, it felt like a perfect fit."

Bottcher's transition to the second role signals a significant shift in strategy for Team Gushue. Gushue, a three-time Brier champion and an Olympic gold medalist, views Bottcher's exceptional shot-making skills as a tremendous asset. "To have a player with his talent at second stone is a rare opportunity," Gushue stated, especially considering Bottcher's ability to execute complicated shots. Gushue anticipates that Bottcher's knowledge as a former skip will also enrich team dynamics.

The decision to appoint Bottcher was not taken lightly. The team explored various other candidates, including former teammate Adam Casey, who will temporarily fill in for an upcoming bonspiel. However, Bottcher's unique skill set resonated strongly with Gushue and the rest of the team.

"We know that having a skip in the second position may seem unconventional, but successful transitions have been made in the past," Gushue noted, citing examples from the curling community, such as Team Kerri Einarson. He added that expectations for Bottcher's sweeping performance will remain grounded as he transitions into his new role.

Gushue stated, "We certainly don’t expect him to come in and be the best sweeping second in the world. His shot-making ability is what we’re really excited about. If he turns into an average sweeper, we consider that a significant win."

Bottcher's previous competitive record, including a sole national title in 2021 and consistent podium finishes at national championships, points to his high level of experience and skill. Though he did not place at the 2021 world men’s curling championship, his achievements in junior curling are noteworthy, having won both national and world titles in 2012.

This fresh chapter for Team Gushue not only highlights Bottcher's return to the forefront of competitive curling, but also reflects the ongoing evolution within the sport itself, as teams continuously adapt to stay competitive. As Team Gushue gears up for their next challenge, fans eagerly await to see how this new lineup will perform together on the ice.