Brendan Bottcher (7-0) ended the curling season off on a high note with a victory at the 2023 KIOTI Tractors Champions Cup with a 5-3 win over Brad Gushue in Sunday’s final.
Gushue blanked the seventh end to allow himself to hold the hammer in the eighth end. Down by one, the 14-time Grand Slam Champion attempted to make a shot for two for the win, but he was unable to complete the feat which allowed Bottcher to make home the $25,000 grand prize.
Heading into the final matchup with the hammer was a key turning according to Bottcher.
“We had a great week and earned that hammer.”
He added that it was nice to end the season off on a high note.
“Good energy now heading into the summer, I think we’re all looking forward to a little break. ”
The win was extra sweet lead Ben Hebert to win in front of the home crowd at the Co-Operators Centre.
“I don’t get to play at home too much anymore, obviously grew up here my whole life, I didn’t leave here until I was 22, all my high school buddies, my cousins, my fam are all my best friends still to this day.”
Hebert also noted that it was nice to end the season, especially against a team like Gushue.
” Every time you play them, you have to bring your best game.”
With a win this time, Hebert knows they have not seen the last of the Brier Champions.
“Unfortunately it’s not going to be the last we see of them, we’re going have to play them a bunch over the next few years.”
Rounding Bottcher’s rink with Hebert is third Marc Kennedy and second Brett Gallant.
For finishing in second place, Gushue’s rink takes home $17,000.
