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Matt Dunstone officially named Team Laycock’s new second

It seems like Matt Dunstone passed the test.

The two-time Canadian junior champion was officially announced as Team Steve Laycock’s new second after sparing with the Saskatoon squad this past weekend at the Princess Auto Elite 10 in Port Hawkesbury, N.S.

Team Laycock made the announcement Monday on social media as Dunstone joins forces full-time with skip Laycock, third Kirk Muyres and lead Dallan Muyres in their quest to lock down an Olympic Trials berth and represent Canada at the 2018 Winter Games.

“We know Matt is a proven shotmaker; he’s won big-time championships as a result of his abilities, and he brings a lot to our team,” Laycock said in a media release. “Just as importantly, he fit right in with the other guys off the ice as well, and that’s an important aspect of successful curling teams. We’re excited about what we can do with this new lineup in the 2017-18 season as we work towards wearing the Maple Leaf at the Winter Olympics.”

Dunstone replaces longtime second Colton Flasch, who left the team earlier this month to skip his own crew next season.

“I’ve always had a ton of respect for Steve and the rest of his team, and I’m really flattered that they asked me to come on board,” Dunstone added in the media release. “I know we’re all going to be working very hard in the off-season, and I can’t wait to get going on that.”

The 21-year-old from Winnipeg capped his junior career winning a second world junior bronze medal last year while playing with third Colton Lott, second Kyle Doering and lead Rob Gordon (coincidentally those three announced Monday they’ll be curling with skip Pat Simmons next season). Dunstone moved up to men’s play full-time this season skipping alongside third Alex Forrest, second Ian McMillan and lead Connor Njegovan. The trio also announced Monday they’re staying together with a replacement player to be announced.