Brendan Bottcher joins Brad Gushue’s team at second
Brad Gushue has added Brendan Bottcher to his St. John’s, N.L., team at second.
Bottcher replaces E.J. Harnden, who parted ways with Team Gushue last week.
The 32-year-old from Spruce Grove, Alta., has captured the Brier and five Grand Slam of Curling titles as a skip. He joins Gushue, third Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker.
“We’re thrilled to have Brendan join our team,” Gushue said in a team release. “His skills and experience will be invaluable, and his connection with Geoff and our coach, Jeff Hoffart, will strengthen our overall team dynamic.”
Bottcher had played with third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert during the previous two years. The trio chose to move in a different direction during the off-season and linked up with skip Brad Jacobs.
“Joining Team Gushue as the new second is an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to get started,” Bottcher said in a team release. “It’s an honour to join such an accomplished team, and I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to the mix.”
Bottcher is playing mixed doubles with Rachel Homan this season and was also coaching her women’s team.
Adam Casey, who will be Team Gushue’s fifth player at the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships, will play second this weekend at the Henderson’s Steel Fall Classic in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., as Bottcher has a mixed doubles event.