Curling Roster Tracker: Following the latest lineup news in curling

With another Olympic quadrennial finished, teams have made lineup changes for the 2026-27 season.

Follow TSN.ca’s curling roster tracker to keep up to date with team breakups, player retirements and new lineups.

For a list of all the officially announced new teams, click HERE.

New Team Alert: Team Joel Retornaz

April 22, 2026

Skip: Joel Retornaz Third: Stefano Gilli Second: Andrea Gilli Lead: Alberto Pimpini

Veteran Italian curler Joel Retornaz has a new lineup for the 2026-27 season.

Brothers Stefano and Andrea Gilli, who have been to three straight World Junior Curling Championship finals, winning gold with Stefano Spiller in 2025, will serve as the third and second, respectively, on this new-look squad.

Alberto Pimpini will play front end. The 29-year-old has skipped his own team on Tour in the past and was an alternate for Retornaz at the this year’s Winter Olympics in Italy.

Retornaz, 42, has a wealth of experience, competing in 11 World Men’s Curling Championships and four Olympic Games. He earned bronze at the 2022 and 2024 men’s worlds and owns four Grand Slam titles.

New Team Alert: Team Christina Black

April 18, 2026

Skip: Christina Black Third: Jill Brothers Second: Marlee Powers Lead: Lindsey Burgess Alternate: Karlee Everist

The top women’s squad in Nova Scotia is once against a five-player unit following the addition of lead Lindsey Burgess to Team Christina Black next season.

Karlee Everist will serve as an alternate in 2026-27. Jenn Baxter departed the team at the end of this past season.

Burgess, 26, has spent the past few seasons with Alberta’s Team Serena-Grey Withers and also won a Canadian and world junior title in 2018, representing Nova Scotia.

New Team Alert: Team Suzanne Birt

April 17, 2026

Skip: Suzanne Birt Third: Michelle Shea Second: Meaghan Hughes Lead: Sinead Dolan

Suzanne Birt is returning to competitive curling with the 2027 Scotties Tournament of Hearts coming to Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The 44-year-old Birt has represented the small Maritime province at 14 Scotties, most recently in 2023.

“When Charlottetown was awarded the successful bid to host the 2027 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to set goals and chase dreams together,” the team said in statement.

A world junior champ in 2001, Birt’s best finish at the Tournament of Hearts was in 2003 when she earned bronze.

Kathy O’Rourke will coach this squad.

New Team Alert: Team Stefano Spiller

April 16, 2026

Skip: Stefano Spiller Third: Amos Mosaner Second: Sebastiano Arman Lead: Cesare Spiller

Italian men’s curling has a new team and it’s led by 20-year-old Stefano Spiller.

Spiller, who skipped Italy to gold at the 2025 World Junior Championships, will captain third Amos Mosaner, second Sebastiano Arman, both formerly of Team Joel Retornaz, as well as lead and brother, Cesare Spiller, next season.

Spiller filled in for Retornaz at the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championship, qualifying for the playoffs before falling to Canada’s Team Matt Dunstone.

Team Retornaz splits up

April 15, 2026

The Italian men’s curling landscape is getting a makeover as Team Joel Retornaz is set to go their separate ways.

Skip Joël Retornaz, third Amos Mosaner, second Sebastiano Arman and lead Mattia Giovanella announced on social media they are all exploring new opportunities.

The foursome represented the hometown rink at this year’s Olympics in Italy, missing the playoffs with a 4-5 record.

They’ve competed together in numerous World Men’s Curling Championships, winning bronze medals in 2022 and 2024, in addition to earning four titles on the Grand Slam circuit.

Stefano Spiller, 20, filled in for Retornaz, 42, at the recent world championship in Utah and is likely in line to play a major role in Italy’s curling program in the near future.

The 2025 world junior champion led his Italian side to the playoffs at the men’s worlds, losing to Canada’s Team Matt Dunstone in the qualification game.

Tirinzoni retires after decorated career

April 15, 2026

Swiss curling great Silvana Tirinzoni is calling it quits as the 46-year-old officially announced her retirement after a prolific career that lasted nearly three decades.

Tirinzoni won four gold and two silver medals over nine appearances at the World Women’s Curling Championship, adding another silver medal at this year’s Winter Olympics in her third showing at the event.

Team Tirinzoni, also featuring fourth Alina Pätz, second Carole Howald and lead Selina Witschonke, finished the 2025-26 season as the No. 1 team on the women’s world curling rankings.

“The decision is a very difficult one. It hurts. There are tears and it’s not easy to find the right words that truly reflect how I feel,” Tirinzoni said in her announcement. “It might seem crazy to step away while being part of the number one ranked team in the world, but I feel that I’ve pushed myself to the absolute limits.”

Pätz and Witschonke plan on pursing curling opportunities together while Howald is also stepping away from the team to focus on mixed doubles and the newly formed Rock League.

New Team Alert: Team Nathan Young

April 15, 2026

Skip: Nathan Young Third: Brady Lumley Second: Matthew Garner Lead: Spencer Dunlop

Former Newfoundland and Labrador champion Nathan Young has announced his new team that will curl out of Ontario next season.

The 23-year-old Young has competed at three Montana’s Brier while the rest of his new-look rink - third Brady Lumley, second Matthew Garner and lead Spencer Dunlop - will all look to make their first as official competitors.

Swiss champs sticking around

April 14, 2026

Team Marco Hösli, who represented Switzerland at this year’s World Men’s Curling Championship in Ogden, Utah after winning the national title, will remain together for the 2026-27 season.

The team consists of skip Marco Hösli, fourth Philipp Hösli, second Simon Gloor and lead Justin Hausherr.

Led by their 25-year-old skip, Team Hösli made the playoffs at the men’s worlds with a 9-3 record before falling to the United States in the qualification game.

New Team Alert: Team Matt Dunstone

April 13, 2026

Skip: Matt Dunstone Third: Colton Lott Second: Mark Nichols Lead: Ryan Harnden

The Brier champions have a new teammate.

Six-time Canadian champion Mark Nichols is joining Team Matt Dunstone as their new second, replacing the retiring E.J. Harnden.

Aside from playing two years in Manitoba from 2012 to 2014, the 46-year-old Nichols has spent his entire curling career playing third for Brad Gushue in Newfoundland and Labrador, becoming one of the most decorated curlers of all-time in the process.

“After a very rewarding journey with Team Gushue, starting this new chapter with Team Dunstone feels like the perfect next step. The opportunity to join forces with Matt, Colton, and Ryan was one I couldn’t pass up,” Nichols said. “I’m energized by the opportunity to bring my experience to an already elite lineup, and I look forward to building on the foundation they’ve established as we pursue our goals on the world stage.”

In addition to winning six Brier Tankards with Team Gushue, Nichols also owns a gold medal from the 2017 World Men’s Curling Championship and Olympic gold and bronze from 2006 and 2022, respectively.

Dunstone, 30, won his first Brier title this year and finished second at the world championship, losing the final to Sweden’s Team Niklas Edin.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mark to the team. He’s one of the most accomplished and respected players in the game, and his experience, shot making, and competitive mindset are a perfect fit for what we’re building,” said Dunstone. “As we set our sights on defending our Brier title and earning our way back to the World Championships, we believe Mark will be a huge part of helping us get there.”

Nichols and Team Dunstone, who curl out of Manitoba, will represent Canada as the defending champions at the 2027 Montana’s Brier in Saskatoon, the 100th edition of the tournament.

New Team Alert: Team Kayla Skrlik

April 13, 2026

Skip: Kayla Skrlik Third: Myla Plett Second: Sarah Koltun Lead: Samantha Fisher

The new-look Team Kayla Skrlik has been revealed.

Skrlik, 28, will now skip Myla Plett, Sarah Koltun and Samantha Fisher while still curling out of Alberta.

Plett, who is a two-time Canadian junior champion, skipped her own team in recent years while Koltun and Fisher spent the last two seasons together as the front-end duo for British Columbia’s Team Corryn Brown.

Skrlik went 5-3 at the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, her third appearance in the event.

Koltun has been to 10 Scotties while Fisher has played in three. Plett has yet to make the national tournament.

New Team Alert: Team Danielle Inglis

April 11, 2026

Skip: Danielle Inglis Third: Jo-Ann Rizzo Second: Geri-Lynn Ramsay Lead: Joanne Tarvit

Two-time Ontario champion Danielle Inglis has announced her new squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

The 38-year-old Inglis will be joined by third Jo-Ann Rizzo, 62, who competed in five Scotties Tournament of Hearts with Team Kerry Galusha of Northwest Territories.

Second Geri-Lynn Ramsay, 37, played the past few seasons with Alberta’s Team Kayla Skrlik, qualifying for three Scotties in addition to her runner-up performance in 2010 with Prince Edward Island.

Joanne Tarvit, 37, formerly of Team Amanda Sluchinski will serve as the team’s lead.

Inglis won back-to-back Ontario Scotties with her former team before dropping the final to Team Hailey Armstrong this year.

New Team Alert: Team James Grattan

April 11, 2026

Skip: James Grattan Third: Jon Beuk Second: Andy McCann Lead: Noah Riggs

Third Jon Beuk will once again curl with New Brunswick’s Team James Grattan.

The 42-year-old from Kingston, Ont., played the 2020-21 season with Team Grattan, helping them reach the Brier inside the Calgary bubble, where they posted a 4-4 record.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to battle alongside this group again, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping the team repeat as New Brunswick provincial champions,” said Beuk.

Beuk, who also competed at the 2019 Brier, is the replacement for Joel Krats.

Grattan, 51, has played in 18 Briers. He led his side to a strong 5-3 showing at this year’s Brier in St. John’s, Nfld.

New Team Alert: Team Selena Njegovan

April 10, 2026

Skip: Selena Njegovan Third: Erin Pincott Second: Margot Flemming Lead: Krysten Karwacki

Four players from four different teams have come together to form a new Manitoba-based rink for the 2026-27 season.

Selena Njegovan, formerly of Team Kaitlyn Lawes, will skip third Erin Pincott, second Margot Flemming and lead Krysten Karwacki next season.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the skip role with this new team,” said Njegovan. “I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can build together this season.”

Pincott, 30, has spent her entire curling career playing out of British Columbia as a member of Corryn Brown’s rink. Team Brown disbanded at the end of this season after making five Scotties Tournament of Hearts appearances. Pincott will move to Winnipeg to play with Team Njegovan.

Flemming, 32, has spent the past two seasons playing for Alberta’s Team Kayla Skrlik while Karwacki, 34, has been an alternate and front-end curler for Manitoba’s Team Kerri Einarson since 2021.

Flemming, who also spent time with Team Kerry Galusha in the past, will be the team’s import curler.

Both Flemming and Karwacki have been to the Scotties on multiple occasions.

The 34-year-old Njegovan has been to nine Scotties, finishing in the runner-up position in 2018 and in 2026. She also finished second at the 2021 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials.

New Team Alert: Team Greg Smith

April 10, 2026

Skip: Greg Smith Third: Carter Small Second: Nate Locke Lead: Ben Stringer

Greg Smith has a new team that will look to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the Montana’s Brier.

Smith, 29, is teaming up with the Nathan Young’s former front-end duo of Nate Locke and Ben Stringer as well as third Carter Small.

Smith last competed at the Brier in 2021.

Team Peterson last year, Team Calvert next year

April 10, 2026

The Manitoba women’s curling championship are sticking together next season, but will have a new team name.

Beth Peterson began the 2025-26 season as the skip of Kelsey Calvert, Katherine Remillard and Melissa Gordon-Kurz, but after a last place finish at the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials, Calvert, 32, took over full skips duties.

The switch resulted in a Manitoba championship and a playoff appearance at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Team Nathan Young breaking up as skip leaving The Rock

April 7, 2026

First it was Team Brad Gushue, now it’s Team Nathan Young as the 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador men’s curling champions are splitting up.

Skip Nathan Young, who lives in Toronto, will curl with an Ontario-based team next season while third Colin Thomas is taking a break from competitive play.

The front end duo of Nathan Locke and Ben Stringer will explore new options within the province.

Young, Locke and Stringer have been to three Montana’s Briers together while Thomas was with the rink for their most recent appearance this year in St. John’s, posting a 3-5 record.

The 23-year-old Young hasn’t announced who he’ll play with in Ontario next season.

Ontario champs running it back

April 6, 2026

Team Jayden King, winners of the Ontario Tankard, will stick together for the 2026-27 season.

King, third Dylan Niepage, second Owen Henry and lead Victor Pietrangelo, represented Ontario at the Montana’s Brier where they made the playoffs with a 5-3 record before losing to Team Brad Gushue in the 3 vs. 4 page playoff qualifier.

They are ranked seventh in Canada after posting a 39-19 record this season.

New Team Alert: Team Mark Kean

April 6, 2026

Skip: Mark Kean Third: Ryan Abraham Second: Nathan Gray Lead: Luke Saunders

Ontario’s Mark Kean will curl out East next season as the skip of Nova Scotia-based team.

The 37-year-old skip, who has played in Ontario his entire curling career, will link up with Ryan Abraham and Luke Saunders, the former members of Owen Purcell’s rink which disbanded at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Nathan Gray is also part of the new-look Team Kean.

Kean’s lone Brier appearance was in 2015. Abraham and Saunders have both been to three Briers.

New Team Alert: Team Kayla MacMillan

April 5, 2026

Skip: Kayla MacMillan Third: Val Sweeting Second: Lindsay Dubue Lead: Lauren Lenentine

A new contender in British Columbia women’s curling has emerged.

Val Sweeting, who recently departed Team Kerri Einarson after a successful eight-year run in Manitoba, will now play third for Victoria’s Team Kayla MacMillan.

Sweeting, 38, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this young West Coast rink.

Sweeting has been to 10 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, winning the championship five times during her run with Team Einarson. She also has a silver and two bronze medals from the World Women’s Curling Championship and eight Grand Slam victories.

The 27-year-old MacMillan led her rink to some solid results in 2025-26, posting an overall record of 41-26 and a lone bonspiel win in August.

Sweeting’s addition should make Team MacMillan the new favourite to represent British Columbia at the 2027 Scotties in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

New Team Alert: Team Joel Krats

April 3, 2026

Skip: Joel Krats Third: Ryan McNeil Lamswood Second: Daniel Bruce Lead: Aaron Feltham

Joel Krats is heading back home to Newfoundland and Labrador to skip a new team that was previously led by Ty Dilello for the past two seasons.

Krats, 24, has made three straight trips to the Montana’s Brier, playing third for New Brunswick’s Team James Grattan.

New Team Alert: Team Kate Cameron

April 2, 2026

Skip: Kate Cameron Third: Laurie St-Georges Second: Emily Riley Lead: Émilia Gagné

Longtime Manitoba curler Kate Cameron is shaking things up and heading to Quebec to skip a new rink.

Cameron, 34, will join forces with 28-year-old Laurie St-Georges, who has skipped Quebec at five previous Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

St-Georges is bringing along her front end duo of Emily Riley and Émilia Gagné to Team Cameron.

Cameron has been to eight Scotties, earning silver in 2017 and bronze medals in 2021 and 2024.

Both Cameron and St-Georges failed to qualify for the Scotties this season.

Tran, Loken depart BC’s Team MacMillan

April 1, 2026

Victoria’s Team Kayla MacMillan, one of the top women’s teams in British Columbia, is making a change as third Brittany Tran and front end curler Sarah Loken are no longer with the squad.

MacMillan, 27, Lindsay Dubue and Lauren Lenentine will stay together next season and will have details regarding their adjusted lineup in near future.

Team MacMillan had some positive results this season, finishing second at the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials and third at provincial playdowns.

They are ranked seventh in Canada and 23rd in the world.

Yoshida says goodbye to Team Fujisawa

March 31, 2026

One of Japan’s most notable curling teams will have a new look next season as Chinami Yoshida is departing Team Satsuki Fujisawa following an incredible 11-year run with the team.

The 34-year-old played vice on the squad, which also includes skip Fujisawa, second Yumi Suzuki and lead Yurika Yoshida.

“I truly wish from the bottom of my heart that your lives will always be filled with warmth and happiness. Even as our paths change, I hope curling remains something we can each choose for ourselves a journey focused on happiness rather than just wins and losses,” Yoshida said in an Instagram post. “I’ll be cheering for you from wherever I are in the world.”

Yoshida competed in three World Women’s Curling Championship and two Winter Olympics with Team Fujisawa, earning a silver medal at the 2016 worlds as well as a bronze and silver medal at the 2018 and 2022 Olympics, respectively. Fujisawa‘s rink finished fourth at this year’s women’s worlds in Calgary.

Yoshida also helped Team Fujisawa win their lone Grand Slam in 2023 at the Canadian Open.

New Team Alert: Team Serena Gray-Withers

March 30, 2026

Skip: Serena Gray-Withers Third: Catherine Clifford Second: Laura Walker Lead: Zoe Cinnamon

Laura Walker is returning to women’s four-person curling on a full-time basis, linking up with Alberta’s Team Serena Gray-Withers.

Team Gray-Withers, led by their 24-year-old skip, parted ways with second Lindsey Burgess earlier this month.

The 35-year-old Walker hasn’t competed on a full-time basis in traditional curling since the 2021-22 season, spending this past Olympic quadrennial as a mixed doubles specialist with partner Kirk Muyres.

Walker and Muyres will no longer curl together going forward, the pair announced on Sunday.

Walker has been to five Scotties Tournament of Hearts, including finishing third as a skip in 2021. She was a runner-up at this year’s Scotties, filling in for second Jocelyn Peterman on Team Kaitlyn Lawes.

Gray-Withers and company had a solid 2025-26 season and are currently ranked fifth in Canada.

Gray-Withers is coming off a win at the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship with partner Victor Pietrangelo over the weekend.

New Team Alert: Team Kerri Einarson

March 30, 2026

Skip: Kerri Einarson Third: Shannon Birchard Second: Karlee Burgess Lead: Jocelyn Peterman

Team Kerri Einarson announced their new addition for the 2026-27 season as Olympian Jocelyn Peterman is joining the Canadian champions.

Peterman, who spent the last quadrennial with Team Kaitlyn Lawes in Manitoba, will play lead on Team Einarson and hold the broom for Einarson’s shots.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jocelyn to the team,” Einarson said. “She’s an incredible player with a ton of experience, and we can’t wait to hit the ice with her next season.”

Shannon Birchard and Karlee Burgess will both move up the lineup to third and second, respectively, and maintain their sweeping duties.

Peterman, 32, has been to eight Scotties Tournament of Hearts and two Winter Olympics.

“I’m really excited to team up with such a hardworking, talented group of women,” said Peterman. “I can’t wait to get on the ice, learn from each other, and see what we can build together.”

The move comes days after Team Einarson parted ways with longtime vice Val Sweeting following their silver medal performance at the World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary.

The Gimli, Man., rink won their fifth Scotties Tournament of Hearts in January, defeating Team Lawes in the final.

Peterman was not with Team Lawes for the event as she was competing in mixed doubles at Milano Cortina 2026 with Brett Gallant.

Peterman lives in Alberta and will be the import curler on Team Einarson.

New Team Alert: Carly Howard

March 30, 2026

Skip: Carly Howard Third: Grace Holyoke Second: Emma Artichuk Lead: Alice Holyoke

Carly Howard will have a new teammate next season as former skip Emma Artichuk is joining the Ontario-based rink to play second.

Howard, 32, led her team to the Ontario Scotties playoffs this season, dropping the 3 vs. 4 Page Playoff to eventual champion Hailey Armstrong.

Team Howard is ranked 28th in Canada.

The 23-year-old Artichuk posted a 25-29 record with her team this season.

New Team Alert: Team Sherry Middaugh

March 27, 2026

Skip: Sherry Middaugh Third: Megan Smith Second: Emily Middaugh Lead: Kelly Middaugh

The Middaugh family will curl together next season.

Sherry Middaugh, 59, will captain the squad, featuring daughters Emily and Kelly, who will play front end.

Megan Smith, 28, will serve as the vice.

Sherry Middaugh has earned four bronze medals in six career appearances at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, most recently in 2008. She was a runner-up at the 2013 Canadian Curling Trials, dropping the final to Team Jennifer Jones.

The 26-year-old Kelly has competed in two previous Scotties, both for Quebec’s Team Laurie St-Georges in 2023 and 2024. Smith has been to one previous Scotties in 2021.

Three-time Brier and world champion Wayne Middaugh, 58, will coach the team.

Lawes, Gordon taking a year off

March 26, 2026

Another top team in Canadian curling is calling it quits at the end of the Olympic quadrennial.

Winnipeg’s Team Kaitlyn Lawes announced on Thursday they are disbanding with Lawes and lead Kristin Gordon making the decision to take a full year off from competition.

Second Jocelyn Peterman and third Selena Njegovan will explore their options as they “look to continue to chase their curling dreams.”

Team Lawes saved their best for last, posting an undefeated record at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, Ont., before losing the championship final to Canada’s Team Kerri Einarson in an extra end.

Overall, Team Lawes struggled to find consistency during their four seasons together. The rink did not make the page playoffs in their first three appearances at the Tournament of Hearts from 2023 to 2025 and did not earn a single Grand Slam victory during their time together.

They missed the playoffs at the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials with a 4-3 record.

Team Einarson moving on from longtime third Sweeting

March 26, 2026

One of the most successful backend tandems in Canadian curling history has decided to part ways.

Team Kerri Einarson announced on Thursday they will go forward without longtime third Val Sweeting.

Alternate Krysten Karwacki and coach Reid Carruthers will no longer be with the team as well, the press release said.

“I’m not sure exactly what the future holds yet,” Sweeting said in a statement. “But I look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes me.”

Sweeting, a 38-year-old from Alberta, won five Scotties Tournament of Hearts with Team Einarson, adding two bronze medals and a silver at the World Women’s Curling Championship since joining forces in 2018.

New Team Alert: Team Kira Brunton

March 25, 2026

Skip: Kira Brunton Third: Kendra Lilly Second: Jamie Smith Lead: Lauren Rajala

A new possible front-runner in Northern Ontario women’s curling has emerged as Kira Brunton has announced a new Sudbury-based team, featuring Kendra Lilly, the former third for Team Krista Scharf.

The 27-year-old Brunton played third for Ontario’s Danielle Inglis over this Olympic quadrennial and has appeared in four Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Lilly, 34, went to nine Scotties with Team Scharf, winning two silver and one bronze medal.

New Team Alert: Team Felix Asselin

March 24, 2026

Skip: Felix Asselin Third: Julien Tremblay Second: Jesse Mullen Lead: Jean-Michel Arsenault

Quebec skip Felix Asselin will have a new squad next season following the retirement of Jean-Michel Menard, Martin Crete and Jean-François Trépanier.

The 31-year-old Asselin, who has competed in six career Briers, will now play with third Julien Tremblay, second Jesse Mullen and lead Jean-Michel Arsenault.

Asselin and Team Quebec missed the playoffs at this year’s Montana’s Brier with a 5-3 record.

BC champions sticking around

March 24, 2026

The 2026 British Columbia women’s champions aren’t going anywhere, announcing they will curl together next season.

Taylor Reese-Hansen, Megan McGillivray, Kim Bonneau and Julianna MacKenzie had a terrific 2025-26 season, highlighted by a victory at their provincial playdowns.

Team Reese-Hansen missed the playoffs at their first Scotties Tournament of Hearts with a 3-5 record, but are still ranked fourth in the nation.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Scott Howard

March 23, 2026

Skip: Scott Howard Third: David Mathers Second: Pat Janssen Lead: Scott Chadwick

Scott Howard has his Ontario-based rink set for the 2026-27 campaign as third David Mathers and second Pat Janssen will join the group.

Mathers, 34, has plenty of experience with Howard on various teams over the years, including making five appearances at the Montana’s Brier together.

Mathers did not curl competitively the past couple seasons.

The 38-year-old Janssen has been to four Briers, most recently in 2022. He won a Brier Tankard as Team Brendan Bottcher’s alternate in 2021.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Sam Mooibroek

March 21, 2026

Skip: Sam Mooibroek Third: Owen Purcell Second: Scott Mitchell Lead: Gavin Lydiate

The provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia are joining forces to form a new foursome for the 2026-27 curling campaign.

Halifax’s Owen Purcell, who has skipped in Nova Scotia since his junior days, will serve as the import on Sam Mooibroek’s new squad.

Purcell, 25, made the playoffs in his first Montana’s Brier appearance in 2025, defeating Mooibroek, 26, in the round robin finale to secure his spot. Mooibroek was also making his Brier debut that season.

Both skips lost their provincial finals this season as the defending champions.

Scott Mitchell, 24, has played with Mooibroek for the past five seasons, while Gavin Lydiate was an alternate for the Ontario skip at the 2025 Brier.

Camm brothers part ways with Team Howard

March 19, 2026

Ontario’s Team Scott Howard will have a new look going forward as third Mat Camm and second Jason Camm are no longer with the team.

Mat Camm, 35, is stepping away from competitive curling while Jason Camm, 31, will explore his playing options.

The brothers have played with Howard for the past two seasons.

Team Howard fell to Team Jordon McDonald in the semifinal of the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials and finished fourth at the Ontario Tankard this season.

Howard and lead Scott Chadwick will stay together and build a new foursome for next season.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Kevin Koe

March 19, 2026

Skip: Kevin Koe Third: Johnson Tao Second: Aaron Sluchinski Lead: Karrick Martin

Kevin Koe has found a replacement for Tyler Tardi, picking up former skip Johnson Tao to play third next season.

The 23-year-old Tao skipped an Alberta-based team last season and made the provincial final where he lost to Koe.

Team Koe, led by their 51-year-old skip, made a surprise run at the Montana’s Brier earlier this month, going undefeated to the final before losing to Team Matt Dunstone.

Tao is a decorated junior curler, winning the Canadian Junior Curling Championship and the World Junior-B Curling Championship in 2023.

Tardi left Team Koe to skip Mike McEwen’s former rink in Saskatchewan.

Koe is a four-time Brier champion.

Team McDonald sticking together for another season

March 18, 2026

After a successful 2025-26 campaign, Winnipeg’s Team Jordon McDonald will stay together next season.

The team comprises of skip Jordon McDonald, third Jacques Gauthier, second Elias Huminicki and lead Cameron Olafson.

The young foursome, led by their 22-year-old skip, won three events this season, highlighted by the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials which punched their ticket to the Canadian Curling Trials. In Halifax, Team McDonald had some close games, but finished with a 1-6 record.

Team McDonald, ranked 25th in the world, lost the Manitoba final to Team Braden Calvert as the skip is still searching for his first Brier appearance.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team John Epping

March 18, 2026

Skip: John Epping Third: BJ Neufeld Second: Ryan Wiebe Lead: Ian McMillan

John Epping has found a new team, this time in Manitoba.

After playing in Northern Ontario for the past two seasons with Jacob and Tanner Horgan, the 42-year-old is bringing lead Ian McMillan to the prairie province where he’ll play with third B.J. Neufeld and second Ryan Wiebe.

Neufeld, 40, was cut by Team Matt Dunstone last season and linked up with fellow Manitoba curler Reid Carruthers in 2025-26, but they were unable to qualify for the Brier.

The Winnipeg native won a Canadian championship with Team Kevin Koe in 2019, settling for silver at the World Men’s Curling Championship that same season. Playing for Mike McEwen, Neufeld was a finalist at the 2017 Olympic Trials. He’s competed in 10 Briers and is a seven-time Grand Slam champion.

Wiebe, 25, is also from Winnipeg and recently parted ways with Ontario’s Team Sam Mooibroek. He made his lone Brier appearance in 2025.

Team Epping lost the Northern Ontario final this season and went 3-4 at the Canadian Curling Trials in November. Epping has been to four Briers with a bronze medal in 2018 being his best finish.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Mike McEwen

March 18, 2026

Skip: Mike McEwen Third: Rylan Kleiter Second: Joshua Mattern Lead: Trevor Johnson

It didn’t take too long for Mike McEwen to find a new home.

The veteran curler will stay in Saskatchewan next season to skip a Saskatoon-based team of third Rylan Kleiter, second Joshua Mattern and lead Trevor Johnson.

A Winnipeg resident and native of Brandon, Man., the 45-year-old McEwen has spent the past three seasons in Saskatchewan, but was recently let go by Colton Flasch, Kevin Marsh and Dan Marsh after missing the playoffs at the Montana’s Brier earlier this month.

Kleiter, 27, has skipped teams in Saskatchewan for the past 12 seasons, but will now have a new role. A spot opened up on his squad following the departure of Matthew Hall earlier this week.

Tyler Tardi, who made the Brier final this season with Team Kevin Koe, took over McEwen’s former rink last week in his return to the skip position.

The new-look rinks led by McEwen and Tardi instantly become strong contenders in the prairie province as Saskatchewan gets set to host the 100th Brier next season in Saskatoon.

Team Gray-Withers make change at second

March 17, 2026

Edmonton’s Team Serena Gray-Withers has made the decision to part ways with second Lindsey Burgess.

Gray-Withers, Catherine Clifford, Zoe Cinnamon and Burgess have been a foursome for the past two seasons.

“We are incredibly grateful for everything Lindsey has contributed to Team Gray-Withers, both on and off the ice. She is currently seeking opportunities to join a competitive women’s team, and we fully support her in this next chapter,” the team said on social media.

Burgess, 26, won a world junior championship in 2018, playing lead for Kaitlyn Jones.

The young rink led by their 24-year-old skipper had a terrific 2025-26 season, finishing with a 56-17 record with four bonspiel victories, including the U25 NextGen Classic and Tour Challenge U25 on the Grand Slam circuit. They dropped the Alberta final to Team Selena Sturmay.

Ranked fifth in Canada and 20th in the world, Gray-Withers and her rink seem to be trending in the right direction and could improve this off-season with a significant addition.

Players are available in Alberta following the breakup of Team Kayla Skrlik.

Team Kleiter lose Hall

March 17, 2026

Matthew Hall has announced his decision to step away from Saskatoon’s Team Rylan Kleiter.

The 28-year-old second has spent the past three seasons with Team Kleiter.

“This decision wasn’t easy. I still have a deep love for the game and for the people who make it so special. But at this point in my life, I feel it’s important to spend more time at home and focus on other priorities,” Hall said in a statement. “I also recognize that I don’t have the same drive to compete at the highest level as much as my teammates do, and they deserve someone who can match that commitment every step of the way.”

Team Kleiter represented Saskatchewan at the 2025 Montana’s Brier, missing the playoffs with a 3-5 record. They went 2-5 at the Canadian Curling Trials in November.

The group is rounded out by Kleiter, Joshua Mattern and Trevor Johnson.

Team Kelly Knapp won Saskatchewan playdowns this year while Tyler Tardi recently replaced Mike McEwen on the province’s top-ranked rink for the 2026-27 season.

Baxter leaving Team Black

March 16, 2026

After a 12-year run with Christina Black, Jennifer Baxter is stepping away from competitive curling to spend more time with her family and other important parts of her life.

“Throughout all those years, Jenn has been the definition of dedication, loyalty, and hard work, and it’s impossible to fully put into words how much she has meant to our team,” the release read.

Halifax’s Team Black, who made the final of the Canadian Curling Trials in November before being swept by Team Rachel Homan, has been a five-player group for the past few seasons, with Black at skip, Jill Brothers at third and Marlee Powers, Karlee Everist as well as Baxter sharing front-end duties.

They will now go forward as a four-person team.

Baxter, 38, has been to seven Scotties Tournament of Hearts, finishing third in both 2018 and 2025.

Team Black ranked sixth in Canada this season.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Brendan Bottcher

March 16, 2026

Skip: Brendan Bottcher Third: Jacobs Horgan Second: Tanner Horgan Lead: Geoff Walker

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

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.

Walker, 40, lives in Edmonton and has spent the past 15 seasons playing for Gushue, winning six Brier Tankards.

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.

Team Mooibroek calling it quits

March 16, 2026

Following a two-year run, the Ontario foursome of Sam Mooibroek, Ryan Wiebe, Scott Mitchell and Nathan Steele are going their separate ways.

All will be pursing new opportunities.

The Whitby rink represented Ontario at the 2025 Brier, missing the playoffs with a 4-4 record. They lost this year’s provincial final to Team Jayden King and is ranked 10th in Canada.

Krats moves on from Team Grattan

March 16, 2026

New Brunswick’s Team James Grattan is in need of a new third after parting ways with Joel Krats.

The 24-year-old Krats, who won bronze at the 2022 World Junior Curling Championship, joined Grattan’s veteran team ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Krats helped Team Grattan win New Brunswick in each of his three seasons with the team. They put together an impressive 5-3 record in St. John’s, Nfld., at this year’s Montana’s Brier, just missing the playoffs.

Grattan, second Andy McCann and lead Noah Riggs will have information on their plans in the near future.

Grattan, 51, has competed in 18 Briers.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Tyler Tardi

March 14, 2026

Skip: Tyler Tardi Third: Colton Flasch Second: Kevin Marsh Lead: Dan Marsh

Tyler Tardi is taking over the Saskatchewan-based rink previously skipped by Mike McEwen.

Tardi, who spent the last four years playing third for Kevin Koe in Alberta, will return to the skip position for the first time since 2021-22.

The native of Richmond, B.C., won three straight Canadian junior titles from 2017 to 2019, adding two gold medals at the World Junior Curling Championship over that stretch.

Tardi, 27, was an alternate for Team Brad Jacobs at the recent Winter Olympics in Italy, winning gold. Alongside Team Koe, Tardi earned silver at March’s Montana’s Brier, losing to Team Matt Dunstone in the final.

Team Koe also won the 2023 Players’ Championship, Tardi’s lone Grand Slam victory.

Tardi now joins a team that has represented Saskatchewan at the last three Canadian men’s curling championships, finishing second in 2024.

Olympic champs not going anywhere

March 13, 2026

Brad Jacobs and his rink of Olympic champions are running it back for the 2026-27 season.

Jacobs, 40, third Marc Kennedy, 44, second Brett Gallant, 36, and lead Ben Hebert, 42, announced on social media that they would return as a foursome next fall.

Jacobs took over for Brendan Bottcher ahead of the 2024-25 season, winning a Brier and a bronze medal at the World Men’s Curling Championship in their first campaign together.

Team Jacobs beat Team Matt Dunstone in the final of the Canadian Curling Trials in November of this season before standing atop the podium at Milano Cortina 2026 in February after beating Great Britain’s Team Bruce Mouat in the gold medal game.

They finished third at the Montana’s Brier after the Olympics.

Tardi leaving Team Koe

March 13, 2026

Tyler Tardi has decided to part ways with Montana’s Brier finalist Team Kevin Koe.

The 27-year-old third has spent the past quadrennial with Koe’s Calgary rink, qualifying for the Montana’s Brier every year.

Team Koe had an impressive week at the recent Canadian men’s curling championship in St. John’s, Nfld., making a perfect run to the final where they lost to Manitoba’s Team Matt Dunstone.

The rink is rounded out by second Aaron Sluchinski and lead Karrick Martin.

Bottcher says goodbye to Team Gushue

March 13, 2026

Brendan Bottcher will not curl in Newfoundland and Labrador next season following the retirement of Brad Gushue.

“Playing with the boys these past two seasons has been an honour,” Bottcher said in part in a statement.

Bottcher joined Gushue’s rink in the early portion of last season after he was let go by his Alberta-based team, where he skipped.

Bottcher has played in four Brier finals, winning inside the Calgary bubble in 2021.

The 34-year-old will be a hot commodity this spring.

Lead Geoff Walker, who is also from Alberta, announced earlier that he will not curl on The Rock next season.

Team Tao parting ways

March 13, 2026

The young Edmonton foursome of skip Johnson Tao, third Kenan Wipf, second Ben Morin and lead Andrew Nowell are going their separate ways after a six-year run together.

Wipf and Morin are stepping away from competitive curling to focus on their careers while Tao and Nowell will look for new playing opportunities in the game.

Team Tao is ranked 19th in Canada and posted a 31-14 record this season. They won one bonspiel and made the Alberta final where they lost to Team Kevin Koe.

McEwen a free agent after departure from team

March 12, 2026

Veteran skip Mike McEwen is a now a free agent after departing from his Saskatoon-based team.

The 45-year-old McEwen, who played the past three seasons with Colton Flasch, Kevin Marsh and Daniel Marsh, said “the team has chosen a different path without me next season.”

It doesn’t appear the seven-time Grand Slam winner has any plans on retiring before next season.

“I may be getting older, but the fire’s still very much there,” McEwen said. “The rocks don’t seem to care. Free agent for next season.”

McEwen, originally from Brandon, Man., joined forces with this rink as the import curler ahead of the 2023-24 season. They found instant success by making a memorable run to the final of the 2024 Montana’s Brier in Regina, but came up short to Brad Gushue and the defending champions.

McEwen and company weren’t at their best at the recent Canadian men’s curling championship in St. John’s, Nfld., missing the playoffs with a 5-3 record. At the Canadian Curling Trials in November, Team McEwen dropped the semifinal to Team Matt Dunstone by a score of 9-5.

Walker thanks Newfoundland and Labrador after 15-year run with Team Gushue

March 12, 2026

It appears decorated lead Geoff Walker will no longer curl out of Newfoundland and Labrador following the retirement of Brad Gushue.

“As they say, all good things eventually come to an end. For the past 15 years, I’ve done my very best to represent this province to the best of my ability, and it has truly been an honour,” Walker said in part on social media.

The 39-year-old was born in Beaverlodge, Alta., and lives in Edmonton.

Walker played 15 seasons for Team Gushue, winning six Briers over 12 appearances in addition to gold at the 2017 World Men’s Curling Championship.

Team Gushue represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, taking home the bronze medal.

The St. John’s rink finished fourth at the recent Montana’s Brier in their hometown, the last Brier of Gushue’s career.

Walker will be arguably the best front-end player available this off-season.

Walker’s teammates - third Mark Nichols and second Brendan Bottcher - have not given any information on their curling futures.

Canadian junior champs taking a step back

March 11, 2026

Alberta’s Team Myla Plett, who won Canadian junior titles in 2023 and 2025, is taking a step back from competitive curling.

Lead Allie Iskiw and second Chloe Fediuk are both planning to focus on their schooling going forward while Alyssa Nedohin is also going to school, adding she is “unsure” about her plans to curl next season.

Skip Myla Plett is focusing on her firefighting career, but is still exploring curling options going forward, per the team’s release.

Team Plett posted a 21-21 record this season. They missed the playoffs at the World Junior Curling Championship in March with a 5-4 record and went 3-4 at October’s Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials.

Team Thevenot not done yet

March 11, 2026

The Saskatoon foursome of skip Ashley Thevenot, third Stephanie Schmidt, second Taylor Stremick and lead Kaylin Skinner will continue to curl together in 2026-27.

“We discussed it, and we decided we had way too much fun, and too much left unfinished to call it quits,” the team said in a statement.

Ranked 21st in Canada, Thevenot’s rink own a 29-17 record this season and won the Regina Highland Rocktoberfest in October. They suffered tough semifinal defeats at both the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials and Saskatchewan provincial playdowns.

Team Skrlik’s run comes to an end

March 11, 2026

One of Alberta’s top women’s curling teams is no more after Calgary’s Team Kayla Skrlik announced they’re going their separate ways.

The team features 28-year-old Skrlik at skip, third Margot Flemming, second Ashton Skrlik and lead Geri-Lynn Ramsay.

This version of Team Skrlik has competed at the last two Scotties Tournament of Hearts as well as the Canadian Curling Trials in November.

They finished fourth at the 2025 Scotties and missed the playoffs with a 5-3 record this year in Mississauga. Team Skrlik went 2-5 at the Olympic Trials in Halifax.

Overall the 2025-26 season was a struggle for this foursome, finishing with a record of 25-32 and missing the playoffs in all but two of their 11 events.

Nova Scotia women’s champions returning next season

March 11, 2026

Halifax’s Team Taylour Stevens, who made an impressive run to the playoffs at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts, will return as a foursome for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Nova Scotia champions, featuring skip Stevens, third Maria Fitzgerald, second Alison Umlah and lead Cate Fitzgerald, went 6-2 at the Mississauga Scotties before losing to provincial rival Team Christina Black in the 3 vs. 4 page qualifier.

Ranked 31st in Canada, Team Stevens went 23-8 this season, beating Team Isabelle Ladouceur provincial final.

Stevens, 25, won a Canadian junior title in 2022.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Grace Lloyd

March 9, 2026

Skip: Grace Lloyd Third: Evelyn Robert Second: Michaela Robert Lead: Rachel Steele

With former skip Hailey Armstrong departed, Grace Lloyd will take over skip duties for the Ontario’s women’s curling champions.

Evelyn Robert will join the squad as their new vice while Michaela Robert and Rachel Steele remain the front-end tandem.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Eun-jung Kim

March 4, 2026

Skip: Eun-jung Kim Third: Suh-yeon Kim Front End: Han-byul Park Front End: Yu-jin Bang Front End: Hae-jeong Kim

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Seung-youn Ha

March 4, 2026

Skip: Seung-youn Ha Third: Hye-rin Kim Second: Cho-hi Kim Lead: Seon-yeong Kim

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team You-Been Park

March 3, 2026

Skip: You-Been Park Third: Seo-jin Park Second: Tae-i Yang Lead: Su-jun Kim

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Bo-bae Kang

March 3, 2026

Skip: Bo-bae Kang Third: Kyeong-ae Kim Front End: Yu-jeong Shim Front End: Min-seo Kim Front End: Ji-soo Kim

Team Scharf’s memorable run comes to an end

March 2, 2026

The Thunder Bay foursome of skip Krista Scharf, third Kendra Lilly, second Ashley Sippala, lead Sarah Potts and coach Rick Lang are ending their run following a decade together.

Scharf, Sippala and Potts are all taking time away from curling to focus on family, but added none of them are ready to officially retire, saying they “could be pulled back into the game in the future.”

Lilly plans on exploring competitive curling options going forward.

“How are you supposed to know when it’s time to make a change? Sometimes there’s no easy answer,” part of the announcement read. “Deciding what we should do as a team hasn’t been easy. We are still competing at a high level, and we’re all great friends, but even so we all sadly agree that it’s time for change.”

Team Scharf competed in nine Scotties Tournament of Hearts together since forming in 2015-16, finishing second in 2016 and 2022. They added a bronze medal in 2023.

They’ve missed the Scotties playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

Alberta champions Team Sturmay running it back

March 2, 2026

After finishing third at this year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Alberta’s Team Selena Sturmay will return as a foursome in 2026-27.

The team is rounded out by third Danielle Schmiemann, second Dezaray Hawes and lead Paige Papley.

Sturmay, 27, has captained this rink for the past three seasons, winning two Alberta provincial titles.

Team Sturmay has also qualified for the Scotties in each of their three seasons together, earning the bronze medal at this year’s event in Mississauga.

They’re ranked eighth in Canada.

Njegovan taking a break from curling

March 2, 2026

Front end curler Connor Njegovan, who’s played lead for Reid Carruthers the past four seasons, is taking a step back from competitive curling.

The 33-year-old Winnipeg native announced on social media his wife Selena Njegovan, who has spent the past quadrennial playing with Kaitlyn Lawes, is expecting twins.

“Hudson, the twins and I are looking forward to cheering on Mom as she continues to show what hard work, determination and chasing dreams look like,” he said in the post.

Njegovan has competed in six Montana’s Briers in his career.

With Carruthers retiring, B.J. Neufeld and Catlin Schneider will be looking for new homes for the 2026-27 season if they wish to continue curling.

South Korea’s Team Kim splitting up

March 2, 2026

South Korea’s Team Eunjung Kim will no longer curl together after a long run as one of the best teams in women’s curling.

Kim, alongside third Kyeongae Kim, second Chohi Kim, lead Seonyeong Kim and alternate Yeongmi Kim made the announcement on Instagram.

Team Kim made a memorable run a the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, finishing with the silver medal after losing to Sweden’s Team Anna Hasselborg in the final. They finished off the podium at the 2022 Olympics.

The rink also own a silver medal from the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, one of their four appearances at the event.

They went 22-20 in 2025-26 and rank 31st in the world.

Daniels departs Quebec’s Team St-Georges

Feb. 28, 2026

Quebec’s Team Laurie St. Georges is searching for a new third following the departure of Sarah Daniels.

St. Georges, Émilia Gagné and Emily Riley said they will have an update on their curling futures soon.

The 28-year-old skip had represented Quebec at the past five Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but dropped the provincial final to Team Jolianne Fortin this season.

Team St. Georges posted a 24-10 record in 2025-26 and is currently ranked 19th in Canada.

Nova Scotia’s Team Purcell calling it quits

Feb. 27, 2026

One of Nova Scotia’s top men’s curling teams is breaking up.

Owen Purcell, Luke Saunders, Gavin Lydiate and Ryan Abraham announced they would each explore “new curling opportunities” for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Halifax foursome, led by their 25-year-old skip Purcell, qualified for the Montana’s Brier last season, posting a 5-3 record in Kelowna to reach the playoffs. They dropped their opening playoff game to eventual champion Team Brad Jacobs.

Team Purcell made it back to the Nova Scotia final this season, this time losing to Team Kendal Thompson.

For the 2025-26 season, Purcell’s rink posted a 29-26 record and did not win a bonspiel. They are ranked 26th in Canada.

Team Duncan moving forward together

Feb. 27, 2026

Ontario’s Team Hollie Duncan will stick together for the 2026-27 season.

The Woodstock rink is rounded out by third Megan Balsdon, second Rachelle Strybosch and lead Tess Guyatt.

“After six years, lots of babies, line up changes due to said babies, weddings, Tour wins, Grand Slams, Scotties and Pre-Trials, Team Duncan has decided to keep this chaos train rolling,” the team said on social media.

Team Duncan is ranked 12th in Canada after posting a 24-20 record this season, winning the KW Fall Classic in September.

They were unable to reach the playoffs at the Ontario women’s curling championship.

The 39-year-old Duncan last competed in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2022.

Team Van Amsterdam staying intact

Feb. 27, 2026

Edmonton’s Team Evan Van Amsterdam will stick together for the 2026-27 curling campaign.

The foursome is comprised of 27-year-old Van Amsterdam at skip, Jeremy Harty at third, Jason Ginter at second and Parker Konschuh at lead.

Team Van Amsterdam, currently ranked fourth in Canada, had a very strong 2025-26 season, highlighted by winning the Red Deer Curling Classic.

They made the 3 vs. 4 page playoff at the Alberta playdowns, but dropped a close 6-5 decision to Team Johnson Tao in an extra end.

Carruthers calling it quits

Feb. 25, 2026

Manitoba curler Reid Carruthers has announced his retirement.

The 41-year-old Winnipeg native has curled in 13 Briers, highlighted by winning the 2011 Canadian men’s curling championship in London as a second for Jeff Stoughton.

Carruthers helped Team Stoughton win gold at the World Men’s Curling Championship in Regina that season.

“Curling has been one of the greatest constants in my life — two decades filled with practices, bonspiels, unforgettable teammates, roaring crowds, and both shots made and missed,” Carruthers said. “With many memories of some of the proudest moments I could ever imagine, what began as a passion quickly became a lifelong pursuit.

“I’m beyond grateful for every opportunity this sport has given me. Curling’s been a huge part of my identity and although it will be hard to fill that void, I am very much looking forward to the next chapter in life.”


For most of the past decade, Carruthers has skipped teams in Manitoba, qualifying for the Brier on a regular basis.

His current team, featuring B.J. Neufeld, Catlin Schneider and Connor Njegovan, came up short this year as Team Braden Calvert won the province.

Carruthers also coaches Manitoba’ Team Kerri Einarson, who’ve won five Scotties Tournament of Hearts since 2020.

Team Cameron disband

Feb. 23, 2026

Kate Cameron, Brianne Harris, Taylor McDonald and Mackenzie Elias will no longer curl together going forward.

Cameron, McDonald and Elias first joined forced ahead of the 2023-24 season, playing with Harris this past season.

They went 1-6 at the Canadian Curling Trials and lost the semifinal of the Manitoba women’s curing championship this season.

NEW TEAM ALERT: Team Skylar Ackerman

Feb. 17, 2026

Skip: Skylar Ackerman Third: Robyn Silvernagle Second: Rachel Big Eagle Lead: Mary Little

With Jolene Campbell announcing her retirement from competitive curling, Skylar Ackerman is coming out of a two-year hiatus to skip this new Saskatchewan-based rink.

The 24-year-old Ackerman skipped Saskatchewan to a 4-4 record at her first Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2024. Following nationals, Ackerman announced she would be taking a break from curling to focus on her schooling.

Silvernagle and Big Eagle alongside Campbell represented Saskatchewan at this year’s Scotties, posting a 3-5 record.

Armstrong leaving Ontario champions

Feb. 16, 2026

Due to “philosophical difference,” skip Hailey Armstrong will not curl with the 2026 Ontario women’s curling champions next season.

Third Grace Lloyd, second Michaela Robert and lead Rachel Steele will continue curling together next season.

Whitby’s Team Armstrong won the provincial title this season before narrowly missing the playoffs at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts with a 5-3 record.

Horgan brothers leaving Team Epping

Feb. 3, 2026

Sudbury’s Team John Epping, who lost the Northern Ontario final to Team Sandy MacEwan this season, announced that Jacob and Tanner Horgan are leaving the team to “explore new opportunities.”

The 42-year-old Epping saw a resurgence of his career after joining forcing with the Horgan brothers as well as lead Ian McMillan ahead of the 2024-25 season

According to the news release, Epping and McMillan will “explore options” going forward.

Veteran Quebec team announce retirement plans

Jan. 20, 2026

Jean Michel Menard, Martin Crete and JF Trépanier all plan on retiring at the end of the season, according to social media posts from teammate Felix Asselin.

Menard won his lone Brier Tankard in 2006, beating Ontario’s Team Glenn Howard in the final from Regina.

The 50-year-old teamed up with Asselin ahead of last season and qualified for his first Brier in almost a decade, helping Team Quebec post a 4-4 record in Kelowna.

Crete, 40, has competed in 13 Briers in his career while Trépanier, 39, has played in six.

Asselin, 31, will continue to curl competitively going forward.

Team Brown parting ways

Jan. 18, 2026

Corryn Brown, Erin Pincott, Sarah Koltun and Samantha Fisher will not curl together going forward, announcing they are “each exploring new curling opportunities moving forward.”

Team Brown won the BC Women’s Curling Championship in 2025 before dropping the final this season against Team Taylor Reese-Hansen.

Brown and Pincott, both 30, have curled together since their junior days.

Champion curler E.J. Harnden set to retire

Dec. 28, 2025

The 2025-26 season will be E.J. Harnden’s last.

The 42-year-old native of Sault Ste. Marie, currently playing second Team Matt Dunstone, announced his retirement plans in late December.

Harnden is decorated curler, highlighted by capturing Olympic gold with brother Ryan Harnden as members of Brad Jacobs’ rink in 2014.

Harnden won his first Brier Tankard with Team Jacobs in 2013 before winning two more as a member of Team Brad Gushue in 2023 and 2024. He also owns four silver medals at the World Men’s Curling Championship.

Harnden’s departure also puts Team Dunstone’s future in doubt as Dunstone, Colton Lott and Ryan Harnden will need to figure out their plans going forward.

Gushue calls it quits

Sept. 17, 2026

Brad Gushue’s legendary career is coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

The 45-year-old native of St. John’s, Nfld., will go down as one of the greatest curlers of all-time, winning a record six Brier Tankards alongside a World Men’s Curling Championship from 2017 and Olympic gold in 2006.

With Gushue no longer playing after this season, Mark Nichols, Brendan Bottcher and Geoff Walker will need to find another player to join their team or go their separate ways and look for new opportunities.