Bottcher an Honorary Newfoundlander?

No matter where the Grand Slam of Curling takes Team Brad Gushue across Canada, the Newfoundland squad is always greeted by loud, passionate cheers. But there’s something especially thrilling about playing in their hometown, where the Mary Brown’s Centre fills to capacity with thousands of fans.

Brendan Bottcher, who has seen it all from the opposing side, experienced this hometown energy firsthand during the KIOTI National as Team Gushue’s newly appointed second. Bottcher, who skipped Alberta in the 2017 Brier and faced Gushue in his opening game, is now soaking in the atmosphere as part of the team.

“It’s just spectacular,” Bottcher said after Team Gushue’s 6-3 victory over Team Reid Carruthers of Winnipeg. “We travel across the country, and Team Gushue has fans everywhere, but this is something truly special. It’s special for the guys and for me to be a part of. I’ve been on the other side of it before, where the crowd is knowledgeable and respectful. But being on the side where the crowd roars every time you make a good shot—it’s an incredible feeling. I hope the guys are enjoying it, and I certainly am.”

The KIOTI National marks Team Gushue’s return to the Mary Brown’s Centre since their 2017 Brier victory, which earned them their first Canadian men’s curling championship. For lead Geoff Walker, the memories came flooding back as soon as he hit the ice.

“Walking out before the game and getting that big applause is always exciting for us athletes,” Walker said. “Hearing the familiar roars from the crowd, and even the old hockey horn a few times—that’s pretty cool. It’s great to be out there, making shots with the crowd behind you.”

When the KIOTI National was first announced nearly a year ago, no one could have predicted the turn of events that would lead Bottcher to join Team Gushue. Bottcher had spent two seasons with Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert, before the trio decided to make a change this past summer, joining forces with skip Brad Jacobs. Meanwhile, Gushue announced in October that his team would part ways with second E.J. Harnden.

Bottcher, who had initially planned to play mixed doubles with Rachel Homan and coach her women’s team this season, shifted gears when he received the call to join Team Gushue. The five-time Grand Slam champion from Spruce Grove, Alta., quickly adapted to his new role, competing in back-to-back events, finishing fourth at the Pan Continental Curling Championships, and runner-up at the Co-op Canadian Open.

“It’s been going great,” Bottcher said. “We’re really cohesive as a team, and we’re only a month in. We’re having fun on the ice and off, and it’s been a blast. The chemistry’s there, and I think we’ve been playing well. Hopefully, we keep it up this week.”

Reflecting on the team’s recent transition, Walker chuckled at how different things might have been if Bottcher had remained with his previous team.

“He would have been walking into a hostile environment if he was competing against us,” Walker said. “But now, after just a few events with us, he’s experiencing what it’s like to play at home for us. I think he’s enjoying it. He even joked that he’s never played in front of this many people before. He’s handling it well, and we’re all having fun.”

Walker, who lives in Edmonton, and coach Jeff Hoffart, also from the area, have formed a Western Canada connection with Bottcher, who appreciates the comfort of joining teammates he already knows well.

“I was the new guy coming in, but it feels like we’re ahead of where we could have been,” Bottcher said. “Having practiced with Geoff and the others in Edmonton definitely helped. It feels good to work with a front-end team that already knows each other, which gives us a strong foundation.”

Walker agrees that Bottcher has fit seamlessly into the team, and now it’s all about continuing to refine their game.

“For someone who hasn’t played second at such a high level before, he’s been phenomenal,” Walker said. “He’s been really comfortable out there. We can trust him to speak up when needed, but he’s been great at picking his spots.”

And the big question—has Bottcher been "screeched in" and become an honorary Newfoundlander?

“I’ve done it before in my life, but not yet this week,” Bottcher laughed. “We’ll see where that leads me!”

Gushue Races to Victory Over Carruthers

Brad Gushue’s team got off to a strong start in their second match of the KIOTI National, improving their record to 2-0 with a dominant 6-3 win over Reid Carruthers’ team from Winnipeg.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion Gushue took control early, scoring three in the second end and stealing two more in the third for a commanding 5-0 lead. Carruthers responded with an incredible angle-run double in the fifth end to score two, a shot that is sure to be a contender for shot-of-the-week.

“That was incredible,” Bottcher said. “One of the best shots I’ve seen in a while. Full props to Reid.”

After Gushue drew for a single in the sixth, Carruthers was forced to one in the seventh before conceding the game, as the home crowd stood to give Team Gushue a well-deserved ovation.

“From practice on, they gave us a good run early,” Bottcher said. “We played well, capitalizing on a couple of misses. From there, we managed the scoreboard and finished strong.”