Matt Dunstone Announces E.J. Harnden’s Addition to Curling Team
On December 8, 2024, Winnipeg skip Matt Dunstone made a major announcement, revealing that E.J. Harnden would be joining his curling team. Harnden, a seasoned player, will throw second stones for Team Dunstone, reuniting with his brother, Ryan Harnden, who already plays lead on the team. To accommodate this change, Colton Lott, who had been playing second, will shift to third.
E.J. expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining his brother on the ice, excited about the prospect of playing together once again. He also praised the team’s dynamic, noting the balance of experience, youth, and talent that Team Dunstone brings to the table. E.J. highlighted the energy and passion within the team, anticipating a promising future together.
This move follows a key change in Team Dunstone’s lineup just days earlier, when the team parted ways with third B.J. Neufeld after two-and-a-half seasons. The addition of E.J. Harnden marks a return to a familiar setup for the Harnden brothers, who had previously played together on Team Brad Jacobs. The duo, alongside Jacobs, enjoyed remarkable success, winning the gold medal at the 2014 Olympics, the 2013 Brier, and seven Grand Slam titles. However, following the disbandment of their team in 2022, Ryan joined Team Dunstone while E.J. became part of Team Brad Gushue.
E.J. Harnden found continued success with Team Gushue, capturing two more Grand Slam championships and back-to-back Brier titles. Despite their strong domestic performances, Team Gushue fell short at the World Curling Championships, finishing with silver medals on two occasions. In October 2024, Harnden and Gushue parted ways, and E.J. briefly joined Team Dunstone as a fill-in for B.J. Neufeld at the Red Deer Curling Classic. Harnden’s performance during that event was instrumental in helping Team Dunstone secure the title, leading to his permanent addition to the team.
The decision to add E.J. Harnden does not affect Team Dunstone’s eligibility for the Brier, as the team had already pre-qualified through their CTRS points from the previous season. While the addition of two out-of-province players to the squad is somewhat unusual, it is not a cause for concern. Dunstone’s team, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, remains focused on their upcoming competition, the Nutrien Ag Showdown in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, from December 12-15, 2024. Despite failing to reach the playoffs at the KIOTI National Grand Slam event, Team Dunstone remains optimistic as they prepare for their next challenge on the curling circuit.
