Bottcher to debut with Gushue rink on Sunday at Pan Continental curling event [Video]

Longtime skip Brendan Bottcher will be wearing Canada colours when he makes his return to the four-player game with Team Gushue at the upcoming Pan Continental curling championship.

Bottcher is the new second for the St. John’s-based team, which parted ways with E.J. Harnden earlier this month.

“I’m excited to get out there at the Pan Continental,” Bottcher said. “I’m excited to be a part of the team and I’m excited to get moving. I think the team just has all the upside in the world.”

The seven-day competition begins Sunday in Lacombe, Alta. The event serves as the Americas and Pacific-Asia zone qualifier for the world championships.

Skip Brad Gushue, vice Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker surprised many curling observers with their in-season lineup change.

Harnden is considered one of the best sweepers in the game and helped them win back-to-back national men’s titles. Bottcher, meanwhile, who won …