Second Derek Samagalski steps back from Team Carruthers
Winnipeg’s Team Reid Carruthers announced Tuesday that second Derek Samagalski has stepped back from the club.
Samagalski has played alongside Carruthers for a total of 14 years including the past 10. With Team Carruthers, Samagalski has competed in eight Brier tournaments and won five Manitoba men’s championships, a Canada Cup and a Grand Slam of Curling title at the 2016 Champions Cup.
“Derek and I have curled together for 14 years through the ups and downs and everything in between,” Carruthers said in a statement. “He’s been one of my best friends for a very long time and I will truly miss him out on the ice. I have learnt a ton from him and am very grateful for the work he’s put into the sport on and off the ice.
“One hell of a teammate and even better friend. Thank you for everything.”
The team will start its search for a replacement with an update expected soon.
It’ll be the second retooling for Team Carruthers this year. Brad Jacobs, who skipped the team during the second half of last season, left to join Brendan Bottcher’s former teammates Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert. Carruthers returned to skipping and added Catlin Schneider at third.
Team Carruthers, ranked No. 12 in the world, competed in the Co-op Canadian Open this past weekend in Nisku, Alta., and missed the playoffs with a 1-3 record.
Carruthers is scheduled to compete in the Red Deer Curling Classic this upcoming weekend followed by the next Grand Slam event, the KIOTI National, in two weeks.