Brendan Bottcher Joins Team Gushue for Canada’s Pan Continental Curling Playdowns Debut
In a move that has the curling world buzzing, longtime skip Brendan Bottcher is set to don Canada’s colors as he steps into his new role with Team Gushue at the Pan Continental Curling Championship. The event, which begins this Sunday in Lacombe, Alberta, serves as the Americas and Pacific-Asia zone qualifier for the prestigious world championships.
A New Era for Team Gushue
Bottcher, the 2021 Brier champion, joins the St. John’s, Newfoundland-based team as their new second, filling the position vacated by E.J. Harnden earlier this month. Harnden, regarded as one of curling’s best sweepers, played a pivotal role in Team Gushue’s back-to-back national men’s titles.
Despite Bottcher’s lack of sweeping experience, skip Brad Gushue and his teammates—vice Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker—are confident in the decision. “It’s a roll of the dice,” Gushue acknowledged, “but one we’re comfortable with.”
Why Bottcher?
For Team Gushue, the choice came down to experience under pressure. “Our goal is to be playing in big games—whether it’s the Brier, the trials, or the Olympics,” Gushue explained. “Brendan has been there and done that. When the stakes are high, he won’t be rattled. That’s crucial for our goals as a team.”
Bottcher himself is eager to embrace his new role. “I’m excited to be part of this team and to get moving,” he said. “The potential here is immense, and I’m ready to contribute.”
A Strategic Debut
The Pan Continental Curling Championship offers an ideal platform for Bottcher to integrate into the team. With Canada already guaranteed a spot at the March 2025 World Championship in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the event carries relatively low stakes. This will allow Team Gushue to focus on chemistry and refining their strategies without the immediate pressure of qualification on the line.
Canada’s Strong Representation
On the women’s side, Rachel Homan’s top-ranked team from Ottawa will represent Canada. Homan and her squad have already secured an automatic berth for the 2025 Women’s World Championship, which will be hosted in South Korea.
Interestingly, Bottcher previously coached Homan’s team earlier this season before stepping down to join Team Gushue. He continues to collaborate with Homan in mixed doubles curling, showcasing his versatility within the sport.
What’s at Stake?
The Pan Continental Championship will determine which nations qualify for the world championships. The top four teams in each draw secure spots, but if a host nation finishes in the top four, the fifth-place team also earns a berth.
Looking Ahead
With Bottcher’s addition, Team Gushue now enters a new phase, aiming to dominate both nationally and internationally. Fans eagerly await the debut of this refreshed lineup as they prepare for the championship season ahead.
The curling world will be watching closely as Team Gushue takes to the ice this Sunday, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting journey.
