John Epping Forms New Curling Team in Manitoba with Neufeld and Wiebe
Winnipeg, MB – John Epping, a prominent figure in Canadian curling, has announced the formation of a new team based in Manitoba for the 2026-2027 season. This move follows the conclusion of his two-year partnership with Jacob and Tanner Horgan, which ended after failing to qualify for the 2026 Montana’s Brier. Epping will be joined by vice-skip B.J. Neufeld, second Ryan Wiebe, and lead Ian McMillan.
Epping’s New Lineup
The new team boasts a wealth of experience and talent. B.J. Neufeld, 40, previously played with Matt Dunstone and Reid Carruthers before joining forces with Epping. He is a Canadian champion, having won the 2019 Canadian Men’s Curling Championship with Team Kevin Koe, and a seven-time Grand Slam champion. He also reached the final of the 2017 Olympic Trials while playing with Mike McEwen. Neufeld has competed in 10 Briers throughout his career.
Ryan Wiebe, 25, also hails from Winnipeg and recently concluded his time with Ontario’s Team Sam Mooibroek. He made his debut at the Brier in 2025.
Ian McMillan, originally from Dryden, Ontario, currently resides in Winnipeg and will continue his role as lead for Epping’s team.
Recent History for Epping and the Horgan Brothers
Team Epping, with the Horgan brothers, experienced a successful two-year run, winning five tour titles and qualifying for both the 2025 Montana’s Brier and the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials. They briefly reached No. 5 in the world rankings. But, they fell short in the Northern Ontario playdowns, losing to Team Sandy MacEwan, and finished with a 3-4 record at the Canadian Curling Trials in November.
Jacob and Tanner Horgan are now pursuing new opportunities in the curling world.
Changes Across the Canadian Curling Landscape
This team shuffle is part of a broader trend in Canadian curling following the close of the Olympic quadrennial. Matt Dunstone’s team will be without power sweeping second EJ Harnden after the 2025-26 campaign, and Brad Gushue has announced his retirement, leaving his teammates Mark Nichols, Brendan Bottcher, and Geoff Walker seeking a new skip. On the women’s side, Team Corryn Brown has also disbanded.
These changes suggest a significant reshaping of the Canadian curling scene as teams prepare for the 2026-27 season.