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It’s been a little over two years, but the Harnden brothers are teaming up again.
In an announcement made this afternoon, Team Matt Dunstone announced E.J Harnden is joining the team going forward.
With the move, Harnden joins his brother Ryan, who is the lead for the team and joined the Dunstone rink after the initial disbanding of the Northern Ontario-based Team Jacobs in the spring of 2022.
As E.J. joins the team in his traditional position, Colton Lott moves from second to third on Team Dunstone.
“I have always had a ton of respect for both Matt and Colton, and obviously, it will be special to be alongside Ryan again,” E.J. said. “This team has a great mix of experience, youth, as well as talent. I also love the passion and energy everyone brings to the ice. I am truly looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Dunstone had high praise for the newest member of his team.
“His championship experience, skill, and leadership align perfectly with our goals as a team,” Dunstone said.
The move continues a busy time of roster movement in Canadian men’s curling.
Harnden’s addition comes just days after the Dunstone rink announced it was parting ways with third B.J. Neufeld.
When the news broke on Thursday, Neufeld spoke of being disappointed, but also grateful.
“Although I’m sad and disappointed I’m no longer a part of Team Dunstone, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best humans in the game,” Neufeld said.
After the breakup of Team Jacobs in the spring of 2022, E.J. proceeded to join Brad Gushue while Ryan joined Dunstone and Marc Kennedy teamed up with Brendan Bottcher for two seasons before rejoining the new Team Jacobs prior to this season.
After a season away from competitive curling, Jacobs joined Reid Carruthers for the 2023-24 season before parting ways with the Carruthers rink in the spring and teaming up again with Kennedy.
Jacobs ultimately took over for Bottcher as skip with Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert.
E.J. became available after he and Team Gushue parted ways earlier this season. The parting came in early-October and Bottcher was added as E.J.'s replacement on the Gushue rink shortly after.