Former Brier Champion Announces New Lineup

Brendan Bottcher has a new team. After playing second for Brad Gushue for the past two seasons, Bottcher will return to the skip position, leading an Alberta-based team of third Jacob Horgan, second Tanner Horgan, and lead Geoff Walker.

🚨 New Team Announcement 🚨

Brendan Bottcher, Jacob Horgan, Tanner Horgan, and Geoff Walker are joining forces. We’re excited to get to work.

Full details 👇 pic.twitter.com/HqhmWC4Wfe

Team Bottcher (@TeamBottcher)

“With talent throughout the lineup and no shortage of big-game experience, this is a team that brings together championship pedigree, elite shot-making, front-end excellence, and a serious competitive drive,” read the team’s release.

Bottcher’s Recent Career Moves

The 34-year-old Bottcher began this Olympic quadrennial as the skip of a highly touted rink featuring Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert, but was cut from that squad following the 2023-24 season and replaced by Brad Jacobs.

Bottcher, who won the 2021 Brier in his fourth straight final appearance, joined Team Gushue in the early portion of last season as a second, playing alongside Walker.

Experienced Support Staff

Walker, 40, lives in Edmonton and has spent the past 15 seasons playing for Gushue. Over 15 appearances at the Brier, Walker has won six Brier Tankards in addition to a gold medal at the World Men’s Curling Championship in 2017 and bronze at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

The Horgan brothers – 28-year-old Tanner and 25-year-old Jacob – have spent their elite-level curling careers in Sudbury, representing Northern Ontario at the Brier on three occasions. They played for John Epping this season, but lost the Northern Ontario final.

Looking Ahead

This new team configuration marks a significant shift in the Canadian curling landscape, bringing together established talent and a renewed focus on championship contention.

FAQ

Who is the skip of the new team?

Brendan Bottcher is the skip of the new team.

Who are the other members of the team?

The team consists of Jacob Horgan (third), Tanner Horgan (second), and Geoff Walker (lead).

Where is the team based?

The team is based in Alberta.