The Horgan Brothers' Departure: A Potential Game-Changer for Northern Ontario Curling
Thunder Bay – The 2025 Northern Ontario men's curling champions, led by John Epping, are facing a significant shift as the Horgan brothers, Tanner and Jake, decide to part ways with the team. This decision could have a profound impact on the region's curling landscape, especially with the team's ambitious goal of maintaining a top-10 ranking in the world.
The brothers, along with Ian McMillan from Dryden, have been a formidable force, but their departure might disrupt the balance. Epping, a Toronto native, must now find two additional curlers who meet the residency criteria for Northern Ontario to remain competitive for the region's Brier spot. This move could potentially alter the dynamics of the team, as they aim to build on their recent successes.
The Horgan brothers, alongside Jordan Chandler and Ryan Harnden, claimed the 2022 championship in Sudbury, but their journey took a turn the following year when they faced defeat at the hands of Trevor Bonot from Thunder Bay. This led to the strategic merger with Epping, creating a powerful trio. However, the siblings' departure now necessitates the inclusion of at least one more Northern Ontario-eligible curler to ensure their competitiveness in the upcoming playdowns.
Team Epping currently holds an impressive eighth position in the World Curling rankings and is ranked third in Canada, just behind Matt Dunstone and Brad Jacobs. With the Horgan brothers' exit, the team's future looks uncertain, leaving curling enthusiasts in anticipation of the changes that will shape the Northern Ontario scene.
