The Horgan Brothers' Departure: A Potential Game-Changer for Northern Ontario Curling
The Horgan Brothers, Tanner and Jake, are leaving the Epping team, leaving a significant impact on the Northern Ontario men's curling scene.
The 2025 Northern Ontario men's curling champions, led by skip John Epping, are making a strategic shift. After a successful run, the team, including Ian McMillan from Dryden, is now looking to the future. The Horgan brothers, who played a pivotal role in their 2022 championship win, are pursuing new curling opportunities elsewhere.
In a statement, the team announced, "Ian and John will explore new avenues, focusing on building on recent achievements and maintaining their position in the world's top 10." This move could potentially reshape the Northern Ontario curling landscape, as the team prepares for the 2026/2027 season.
The Impact on the Team and the Region
The Horgan brothers, along with Jordan Chandler and Ryan Harnden, were instrumental in the team's 2022 victory in Sudbury. However, their departure means the team will need to adapt to continue competing for the region's Brier spot. Epping, originally from Toronto, must now find two additional curlers who meet the residency requirements for Northern Ontario.
A New Chapter for Team Epping
Despite the changes, Team Epping remains a formidable force, currently ranked eighth in the World Curling rankings and third in Canada. With the Horgan brothers' departure, the team is poised to embark on a new chapter, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of Northern Ontario curling.
What do you think about the Horgan brothers' decision? Will Team Epping be able to maintain their top-tier status? Share your thoughts in the comments!
