Team Bottcher Takes Shape: Former Gushue Members Reunite in Alberta

Two former members of Brad Gushue’s championship-winning curling team, Brendan Bottcher and Geoff Walker, are joining forces to form a recent Alberta-based squad for the upcoming curling season. The duo announced their partnership on Monday, signaling a return to their home province after a successful stint in Newfoundland, and Labrador.

Returning to Alberta

Bottcher will skip the new team, while Walker will assume the role of lead. The pair will be joined by brothers Jacob and Tanner Horgan, previously Northern Ontario champions, completing the lineup. CBC News reported the announcement earlier today.

A History of Success

This move represents a homecoming for both Bottcher and Walker, who initially left Alberta to join Team Gushue. Walker enjoyed a remarkable 15-season run with Gushue, consistently qualifying for the Brier and securing six Brier championships. He similarly contributed to the team’s Olympic bronze medal win in 2022 and 14 Grand Slam of Curling championships.

Bottcher also boasts an impressive resume as a skip in Alberta, having won the provincial championship three times and leading his team to a Brier championship in 2021, earning them the right to represent Canada at the national level. He transitioned to a second/vice-skip role when he joined Gushue in the 2024-2025 season. Town and Country Today highlighted this recent shift in roles.

Gushue’s Legacy and Team Dynamics

The formation of Team Bottcher comes shortly after Brad Gushue announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for Newfoundland and Labrador curling. VOCM noted that Gushue’s final appearance was at the Mary Browns Centre earlier this month.

While Bottcher and Walker embark on this new chapter, the future of long-time third Mark Nichols remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead

Team Bottcher is poised to become a strong contender in Alberta’s competitive curling landscape. With a blend of experience and talent, the team aims to make a significant impact on the national and international curling scene. The Grand Slam of Curling also announced the team formation on Facebook.