Did Matt Dunstone just win the offseason?
In need of a new second for his Manitoba rink after E.J. Harnden retired from full-time competitive curling, Dunstone announced Monday that Mark Nichols will join him, third Colton Lott and lead Ryan Harnden for the 2026-27 season.
In Nichols, Dunstone has recruited a former Olympic gold medalist (2006), world champion (2017) and Brier national champion (2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) – all achieved while playing third for Brad Gushue, who also retired at the end of this season.
Nichols meanwhile joins a rink that finished as runners-up at two Grand Slam of Curling events as well as the Canadian Olympic curling trials in 2025-26, but went on to win the Brier in March and then claim silver at the world championship earlier this month.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mark to the team," Dunstone, who represented Saskatchewan for five seasons from 2017-22, said in an announcement on social media. "He’s one of the most accomplished and respected players in the game, and his experience, shot making, and competitive mindset are a perfect fit for what we’re building.
"As we set our sights on defending our Brier title and earning our way back to the World Championships, we believe Mark will be a huge part of helping us get there."
Dunstone will look to defend his national title in 2027 playing as Team Canada at the Brier in Saskatoon next March.
“After a very rewarding journey with Team Gushue, starting this new chapter with Team Dunstone feels like the perfect next step," Nichols said in the team’s announcement. "The opportunity to join forces with Matt, Colton, and Ryan was one I couldn’t pass up.
"I’m energized by the opportunity to bring my experience to an already elite lineup, and I look forward to building on the foundation they’ve established as we pursue our goals on the world stage."
