Quick Read
- Brendan Bottcher is returning to the skip position for the first time since 2024.
- The new lineup features brothers Jacob and Tanner Horgan, marking their transition to the Alberta curling circuit.
- The team is positioning itself to compete for spots in the upcoming Canadian Olympic Trials and the Brier.
EDMONTON (Azat TV) – Brendan Bottcher is returning to the skip position to lead a newly formed, Alberta-based curling rink, signaling a significant shift in the competitive landscape as teams position themselves for the upcoming Olympic Trials and the Brier. The announcement, made on March 16, 2026, confirms that Bottcher will join forces with long-time teammate Geoff Walker and the Horgan brothers, Jacob and Tanner.
A Strategic Shift in Alberta Curling
The formation of this rink follows a period of notable transition for both Bottcher and the Horgan brothers. Bottcher, a 2021 Brier champion, spent the last two seasons playing as a second for the now-retired Brad Gushue, a departure from his established role as a skip. His return to the house is widely viewed as an aggressive bid to reclaim his status as a premier play-caller in the Canadian game.
For brothers Jacob and Tanner Horgan, the move represents a major transition from their long-standing tenure in the Northern Ontario scene to the highly competitive Alberta circuit. After parting ways with skip John Epping last month, the duo brings elite-level experience and recent high-stakes exposure to the team. Jacob Horgan most recently served as an alternate for Matt Dunstone’s championship-winning team at the Montana’s Brier in St. John’s, providing him with front-row experience at the highest level of national competition.
The Stakes for the New Foursome
The urgency behind this new lineup is driven by the rigid qualification pathways for the Canadian Olympic Trials and the annual Brier. By establishing an Alberta-based team, the foursome aims to capitalize on the province’s depth and competitive infrastructure. Geoff Walker, who spent 15 seasons with Gushue, brings a decorated resume to the lead position, including an Olympic bronze medal, a world championship, and six Brier titles. His partnership with Bottcher, which continued through their recent stint with Gushue, provides a foundation of continuity for the new rink.
The formation of this team highlights an ongoing trend of elite-level consolidation in Canadian curling, where established veterans and rising stars are increasingly grouping into high-performance units to navigate the narrow windows for national and Olympic qualification.