Jacob Horgan Joins Brendan Bottcher and Geoff Walker in New Alberta-Based Trend Summary

TL;DR

• Jacob Horgan joins a new Alberta-based rink as second.
• Brendan Bottcher returns to skipping with Geoff Walker at lead.
• Tanner Horgan joins his brother Jacob to play third.
• The move follows Bottcher and Walker leaving Team Brad Gushue.

What Happened

The transition began when Brendan Bottcher and Geoff Walker announced their departure from Team Gushue, a move confirmed on March 15, 2026. Shortly after, the duo revealed they were heading west to form a new team based in Alberta. Jacob Horgan and his brother Tanner Horgan, previously representing Northern Ontario, were recruited to round out the four-man roster. Jacob Horgan will take on the role of second, while Tanner Horgan will serve as the third for the team.

Key Developments

The new lineup is strategically built for the 2026-27 season, with Brendan Bottcher returning to the skip position after playing third for Team Gushue during the previous Brier. Geoff Walker, a longtime lead for Brad Gushue, retains his position at lead for the new Alberta squad. This move reunites the Horgan brothers, who have long been rising stars in the Northern Ontario circuit, with two of the most decorated veterans in Canadian curling. Official confirmations from Sportsnet and TSN indicate the team intends to challenge for top rankings in the Grand Slam of Curling series immediately.

I am excited to get back to skipping and building something special with this group in Alberta.

Why This Matters

This roster change significantly weakens Team Gushue, the perennial favorites from Newfoundland and Labrador, while creating a formidable contender in the Alberta playdowns. Jacob Horgan’s move to Alberta marks a shift in regional power, as he and Tanner leave Northern Ontario to join a province known for its deep curling talent. The inclusion of two former Team Gushue members brings championship experience to the Horgan brothers, potentially accelerating their path to an Olympic berth or a Brier title.

What Happens Next

The team is expected to make its debut on the World Curling Tour later this year as they accumulate points for the 2026 rankings. Fans can follow the latest roster changes and schedule updates on the Grand Slam of Curling official portal. Team Gushue is also expected to announce a replacement for Bottcher and Walker in the coming weeks to finalize their lineup for the next season.

Key Terms & Concepts

Skip

The captain of a curling team who determines strategy and usually throws the last two stones.

Lead

The player who delivers the first two stones of each end for their team.

Second

The player who throws the third and fourth stones of an end.

Brier

The annual Canadian men's curling championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jacob Horgan playing for in 2026? Jacob Horgan is playing second for a new Alberta-based team skipped by Brendan Bottcher, featuring Geoff Walker and Tanner Horgan.

Why did Brendan Bottcher leave Team Gushue? Bottcher left Team Gushue on March 15, 2026, to return to his home province of Alberta and resume his role as a skip.

What position will Tanner Horgan play? Tanner Horgan will play the third position, supporting skip Brendan Bottcher on the new squad.

Where will the new Horgan-Bottcher team be based? The team will be based in Alberta, moving Jacob and Tanner Horgan away from their traditional Northern Ontario representation.

When will the new team start competing? The team is slated to begin competing during the 2026-27 curling season, targeting major events like the Grand Slam of Curling.