Team Bottcher: Former Team Gushue Members Form New Alberta Curling Rink
Former Team Gushue Duo Forms Novel Alberta-Based Curling Squad
A significant shift is underway in the Canadian curling landscape as Brendan Bottcher and Geoff Walker, both recently of Team Gushue, have announced the formation of a new team based in Alberta. The move marks a return to their roots for both athletes and signals a new chapter in their decorated careers.
Bottcher, who will skip the newly formed squad, and Walker, set to throw lead stones, represented Newfoundland and Labrador under Brad Gushue for the past two seasons. Their departure follows Gushue’s recent retirement, concluding a celebrated career that culminated in a final appearance at the Mary Browns Centre earlier this month. The duo’s decision to relocate and rebuild in Alberta underscores their ambition to remain competitive at the highest level.
Joining Bottcher and Walker are brothers Jacob and Tanner Horgan, previously representing Northern Ontario. The Horgan brothers bring a wealth of experience, having competed at the Brier on three occasions while representing Northern Ontario. They played for John Epping this season, falling short in the Northern Ontario final.
This new alignment represents a return to a familiar role for Bottcher, who transitioned from skip to second when he joined Team Gushue in 2024. Prior to that, Bottcher enjoyed considerable success as a skip in Alberta, securing three provincial championships and a Brier championship in 2021, earning his team the right to represent Canada at subsequent international events. His decision to rejoin the ranks of skips demonstrates a clear desire to lead and direct a team once again.
Walker’s move is particularly noteworthy, as he spent 15 seasons with Brad Gushue, consistently qualifying for the Brier and achieving significant championship success. Over those 15 appearances at the Brier, Walker secured six Brier Tankards, a gold medal at the 2017 World Men’s Curling Championship, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. His longevity and consistent performance alongside Gushue established him as one of the premier lead stones in Canadian curling.
The formation of ‘Team Bottcher’ is a strategic move for all involved. The Horgan brothers, seeking a new opportunity to contend for national championships, find themselves aligned with two proven performers. Bottcher and Walker, in turn, gain access to the Horgan brothers’ experience and competitive drive, creating a potentially formidable force in the Alberta curling scene.
The announcement leaves questions surrounding the future of Mark Nichols, the long-time third for Team Gushue. As of , his plans for the upcoming season remain undisclosed.
The Alberta curling landscape is already highly competitive, and the addition of Team Bottcher will undoubtedly raise the stakes. The team’s release emphasized the combination of “talent throughout the lineup and no shortage of big-game experience,” suggesting a confident outlook as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Their ability to quickly gel and translate their individual successes into team cohesion will be crucial as they aim to establish themselves as contenders for provincial and national titles.
Bottcher’s previous experience navigating the Alberta curling scene, coupled with Walker’s championship pedigree and the Horgan brothers’ competitive spirit, positions Team Bottcher as a team to watch closely in the coming seasons. The move signifies a dynamic shift in the Canadian curling world, as established players realign and pursue new opportunities for success.
The team announced their formation on social media on , generating immediate buzz within the curling community. The announcement included a team photo, signaling a unified front as they embark on this new venture.