The Sheriff has found another Deputy.
Reigning Canadian champ Matt Dunstone has added Mark Nichols to his Winnipeg-based lineup for next season, the team announced Monday.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mark to the team," Dunstone said in a team release. "He’s one of the most accomplished and respected players in the game, and his experience, shot making, and competitive mindset are a perfect fit for what we’re building.
"As we set our sights on defending our Brier title and earning our way back to the World Championships, we believe Mark will be a huge part of helping us get there."
Dunstone, third Colton Lott and lead Ryan Harnden were in the market for a new teammate after second E.J. Harnden announced this year would be his last in full-time competitive curling.
The team won the AMJ Masters in September and finished runners-up in two other Grand Slam of Curling events this season.
It was heartbreak at the Canadian Olympic curling trials in November as they lost the best-of-three final series to Team Jacobs.
Dunstone captured his first Canadian men's title last month at the Montana's Brier in St. John's, N.L., and earned the silver medal at the World Men's Curling Championship on April 4 in Ogden, Utah.
Nichols brings a wealth of experience as the longtime third for iconic skip Brad Gushue, who capped his men's career after the Brier in his hometown.
The 46-year-old Nichols has won gold and bronze medals at the Olympic Winter Games, one gold and four silver medals at the World Men's Curling Championship and six Brier titles. He has also claimed 16 Grand Slam of Curling titles, winning 15 with Gushue and one with legendary Winnipeg skip Jeff Stoughton.
“After a very rewarding journey with Team Gushue, starting this new chapter with Team Dunstone feels like the perfect next step," Nichols said in the release. "The opportunity to join forces with Matt, Colton, and Ryan was one I couldn’t pass up.
"I’m energized by the opportunity to bring my experience to an already elite lineup, and I look forward to building on the foundation they’ve established as we pursue our goals on the world stage."
Dunstone will hold an auto-berth spot at next year's Brier in Saskatoon as the defending champion.
