Team Dunstone Shakes Up Roster: B.J. Neufeld Exits Amid Growing Curling Shuffle
The Canadian men's curling scene continues to experience significant roster changes as Team Matt Dunstone announced on Thursday that they have parted ways with third B.J. Neufeld. The announcement, made via social media, leaves the Winnipeg-based team with a gap to fill, though a replacement for Neufeld has yet to be named.
Neufeld, who joined Team Dunstone at the start of the Olympic cycle in 2022, played a pivotal role in the team's success, helping secure a silver medal at the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier. Alongside skip Matt Dunstone, second Colton Lott, and lead Ryan Harnden, Neufeld helped propel the team to a high level of competitiveness on the national stage. Currently ranked No. 8 in the world, Team Dunstone has been a force to be reckoned with, and the departure of Neufeld marks a key moment in their ongoing journey.
Before joining Team Dunstone, Neufeld had an illustrious career with other top-tier teams. He won seven Grand Slam of Curling men’s titles with skip Mike McEwen and captured both Brier and World Championship silver medals with Kevin Koe in 2019. With a career full of notable achievements, Neufeld's departure represents a significant shift in the team's dynamic.
In his statement following the announcement, Neufeld expressed both sadness and gratitude. "Although I’m sad and disappointed I’m no longer a part of Team Dunstone, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to battle alongside some of the best humans in the game," he wrote. "The bonds and friendships that I have fostered with this team is something I hold very dear to my heart, and I wish all the success in the world for all of you. Excited to see where my curling journey will take me next."
The move is part of a broader trend of lineup changes within Canada's elite curling ranks this season. The year kicked off with major shifts after Brendan Bottcher’s teammates—third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert—decided to join forces with Brad Jacobs. This change followed Jacobs' departure from Reid Carruthers's team, signaling a new era for both teams. Meanwhile, Team Brad Gushue saw second E.J. Harnden (Ryan Harnden's brother) leave the team, with Bottcher filling the void in October.
Kevin Koe has also made adjustments to his roster, replacing second Jacques Gauthier with Aaron Sluchinski at third and shifting Tyler Tardi to second.
Despite the departure of Neufeld, Team Dunstone has shown resilience this season. E.J. Harnden, who filled in for Neufeld during the Red Deer Curling Classic last month, helped the team capture the title at the event. Still, Team Dunstone has faced challenges, including missing the playoffs at the Grand Slam’s Kioti National in St. John’s, N.L., last week.
Looking ahead, Team Dunstone will be back on the ice at the Nutrien Ag Showdown from December 12-15 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, as they continue to adapt to their changing lineup and strive for further success on the world stage.
As the curling landscape shifts, all eyes will be on Team Dunstone to see who will step in as the new third and how they perform in the upcoming events. With a strong core and a track record of success, the team is well-positioned to remain competitive as they navigate this transition.
