The Curling World is Shaken: Horgan Brothers Depart, Leaving Epping and McMillan to Rebuild
In a move that could dramatically reshape the Northern Ontario men’s curling scene, the 2025 champions are disbanding—at least in their current lineup. But here's where it gets controversial: what does this mean for the region’s curling hierarchy?
THUNDER BAY – The team that once stood atop Northern Ontario’s curling throne is now facing a major reshuffle. Skip John Epping, who fell to Sandy MacEwan in last month’s provincial playdowns in North Bay, and Dryden’s Ian McMillan have decided to stay together. However, brothers Tanner and Jake Horgan of Sudbury are stepping away to explore new curling opportunities. This decision leaves fans and analysts alike wondering: Can Team Epping maintain its world-class status without the Horgan brothers?
In a statement, the team hinted at a fresh start: “Ian and John will now explore options as the team looks ahead, with the focus on building on recent successes and continuing the push to remain in the world’s top 10. Stay tuned for a new-look Team Epping heading into the 2026/2027 season.” But this is the part most people miss: Epping, based in Toronto, will need to recruit two Northern Ontario-eligible curlers to continue competing for the region’s Brier spot. Will he find the right fit, or will this be a stumbling block?
The Horgan brothers, alongside Jordan Chandler and Ryan Harnden, claimed the 2022 championship in Sudbury but were dethroned by Thunder Bay’s Trevor Bonot the following year, leading to their merger with Epping. Now, if the Horgan siblings decide to form a new team, they’ll need at least one other Northern Ontario-eligible curler to compete in the regional playdowns. Could this be the start of a new rivalry, or will they fade into the background?
Currently, Team Epping holds the eighth spot in the World Curling rankings and ranks third in Canada, trailing behind Matt Dunstone and Brad Jacobs. But with this shakeup, their future is anything but certain. Will they rise to the occasion, or will this be the beginning of their decline?
As the curling community watches closely, one thing is clear: the Northern Ontario men’s curling landscape is on the brink of a seismic shift. And this raises a thought-provoking question: In a sport where teamwork is everything, can a reshuffled lineup ever truly recapture the magic of a championship team?
What do you think? Will Team Epping thrive with new members, or is their dominance at risk? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a debate!
