Korey Dropkin's men's team is searching for a new player.
The Duluth-based squad announced Monday that Dropkin has stepped back to focus on mixed doubles leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. The 30-year-old Dropkin will represent the United States in Milan-Cortina alongside Cory Thiesse.
Dropkin was looking to punch a ticket with his men's team as well. Their Olympic dream ended after finishing third in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials earlier this month in Sioux Falls, S.D.
"Korey would like to express his gratitude toward his teammates for their understanding and unwavering support," the team said in a social media post. "The team would also like to express its gratitude to its fans, supporters, and sponsors over the years."
The team, which features third Tom Howell, second Andrew Stopera and lead Mark Fenner, is ranked 23rd in the world and holds a 12-19 record on the season.
They are set to compete in the Tier 2 division of next month's HearingLife Canadian Open.
Dropkin will also serve as one of the six inaugural captains when Rock League makes its debut in the spring.
Team Dropkin captured the U.S. men's title last season and finished 11th at the World Men's Curling Championship with a 4-8 record. That meant the U.S. did not qualify for direct entry into the Winter Olympics.
Danny Casper, whose men's squad was victorious at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, can secure one of the final two spots through the last-chance Olympic Qualification Event next month in Kelowna, B.C.
Dropkin and Thiesse came in fifth in last season's World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship to lock down a berth for Milan-Cortina.
