Team Bottcher Dumps Their Skip
Shocking news as Team Bottcher—specifically Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert—have parted ways with their skip Brendan Bottcher.
The announcement was made on social media on Tuesday.
Team Bottcher, skip second from left • Michael Burns-Curling Canada
“We have decided to make a change at the skip position and will be considering our options in the coming days,” the message reads.
“Brendan Bottcher has been an outstanding teammate and friend. We thank him for the time we spent together, during which we won multiple Grand Slams and bronze at the last two Briers.”
The remaining team members are also keeping coach Paul Webster on board.
And then there were three • Anil Mungal-Sportsnet
Team Bottcher was the superstar squad recruited after the end of the 2022 Olympic cycle.
Kennedy and Hebert were teammates for years—with skips Kevin Martin and Kevin Koe, qualifying for two Olympic Games (2010, 2018) in two cycles—with Gallant being the nig prize, who came over from a stunningly successful run with Team Gushue from 2012 through ’22.
The squad only lasted two years. Two seasons remain in the current Olympic cycle, with the 2025-26 season featuring the Milano-Cortina Games in February.
Michael Burns-Curling Canada
“We know that Brendan, who is an elite skip and has already represented Canada at the worlds, will have great success wherever his curling pursuits take him,” the message continued. “We wish him the very best.
“We hope to have news to announce in the very near future.”
Bottcher’s first men’s team blew up in controversial fashion after third Darren Moulding, who has since left the sport, was dismissed mid-season, in December of 2021.
The previous Team Bottcher • Michael Burns-Curling Canada
It was the quite the affair, which generated much commentary.
Team Bottcher went 2-3 at the season-ending Players’ Championship in Toronto.
The curling world is surely awash in speculation as to whom might be recruited to skip the Alberta-based all-stars, which will in turn cause a cascading effect of further men’s team player changes.
Shortly after their release, the Team Bottcher account also posted a statement from their now-former skip.
“Over the past two seasons, I have grown so much as a skip, colleague and as a friend. Although no longer teammates, I wish Ben, Brett, Marc and Paul all the best on and off the ice,” the statement reads.
“I am more passionate about the future of curling and my future than ever before. As our sport continues to evovle and grow with increased interest from fans across Canada and around the world, generating extraordinary ratings as well as club and elite level expansions, curling is entering its golden era.
“I am excited for what comes next for curling in Canada and the next iteration of Team Bottcher. There will be more news in the near future.
“Thank you for your support.”
