The Northern Ontario men’s curling landscape is bracing for change following a significant roster shakeup involving Team Epping. Skip John Epping and Ian McMillan will continue to team up, but the dynamic duo are parting ways with the Horgan brothers, Tanner and Jake, effective immediately.
The announcement, issued by the team, signals a new chapter for both squads. Epping and McMillan are focused on building on recent successes and maintaining their position within the world’s top 10 curling teams. They currently hold the eighth ranking globally and are the third-highest ranked team in Canada, trailing only Matt Dunstone and Brad Jacobs.
For the Horgan brothers, the split opens the door to explore new opportunities within the competitive curling world. The Sudbury-based siblings, along with former teammates Jordan Chandler and Ryan Harnden, experienced a high point in when they captured the Northern Ontario championship. However, they were subsequently defeated by Trevor Bonot the following year, which ultimately led to the formation of the partnership with Epping.
The implications of this move extend beyond the individual teams. Epping, originally from Toronto, faces a logistical hurdle if he intends to continue competing for Northern Ontario’s coveted Brier spot. He will need to add two curlers who meet the residency requirements for the region to maintain eligibility.
The Horgan brothers also face a similar challenge. To compete in the Northern Ontario playdowns, they will need to add at least one other curler who is eligible to represent the region. This could potentially lead to the formation of new competitive teams within Northern Ontario, further intensifying the battle for provincial supremacy.
The timing of this announcement comes after Epping lost to Sandy MacEwan at last month’s provincial playdowns in North Bay. Despite the setback, Epping and McMillan are clearly committed to remaining a force in the Canadian and international curling scene. Their statement indicates a long-term vision, with a “new-look Team Epping” anticipated for the season.
The breakup also highlights the often-fluid nature of team dynamics in elite curling. The pursuit of championship contention frequently leads to strategic roster adjustments, as teams seek the optimal combination of skill, experience, and chemistry. The merger between the Horgan brothers and Epping was itself a testament to this trend, aimed at bolstering their chances on the national stage.
While the immediate future remains uncertain for both Team Epping and the Horgan brothers, one thing is clear: the Northern Ontario men’s curling scene is poised for a period of significant transition. The moves will undoubtedly impact the competitive balance and create new opportunities for aspiring curlers in the region. The coming months will be crucial as both teams navigate their respective paths forward and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Team Epping’s current ranking of eighth in the world underscores the high stakes involved. Maintaining that position, and continuing to challenge the top teams in Canada – Dunstone and Jacobs – will require careful planning and strategic roster decisions. The success of the “new-look” Team Epping will be closely watched by curling fans across the country.
The Horgan brothers, despite the split, remain respected figures in the Northern Ontario curling community. Their championship victory demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and their next move will undoubtedly be of interest to those following the sport in the region. Whether they choose to form a new team or join existing squads, their presence will continue to shape the competitive landscape.
