(by Jason Simmonds)
In the end, Brett Gallant’s decision to leave the Brad Gushue rink at the end of the 2021-22 curling season comes down to family.
The 2022 Olympic bronze-medallists and Canadian men’s curling champions released a statement announcing the decision on March 19. Gallant, who plays second stone, is in his 10th year curling with Gushue and eighth year with the current lineup, including third stone Mark Nichols and lead Geoff Walker.
“It’s been an amazing 10 years,” the 32-year-old Gallant told SaltWire Network in a phone interview on March 19. “It’s bitter-sweet for it to come to an end.
“We obviously have had an incredible season already this year with the Olympics and another Brier title. For me, it’s tough. The guys are great teammates, are great curlers and we get along great. Personal life kind of changes, and it’s the right time to move on.”
Charlottetown’s Brett Gallant displays his bronze medal from the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games. – Contributed
Wedding
Gallant, from Charlottetown, will marry Jocelyn Peterman in P.E.I. in June. Peterman plays second stone for the Jennifer Jones rink. With Gallant living in Newfoundland and Labrador and Peterman living in Alberta, the couple has had a long-distance relationship in recent years while pursuing their curling dreams.
“We want to focus a little bit more on our personal life and being a little closer to family for support,” said Gallant. “A big part of Team Gushue’s success over the years has been our ability to train together on a regular basis.
Gallant said his teammates have been very understanding of his decision, adding that with the success the foursome has enjoyed it would be great to make it work forever.
Gallant and Peterman both plan to continue curling competitively with new teams next season.
Gallant declined to comment on his future curling plans, adding he wants to focus on finishing the season with Team Gushue.
Next up is the world men’s curling championship in Las Vegas, April 2-10, along with two Grand Slam events April 12 to 17 and May 3 to 8.
Click the link to read the full story at SaltWire Network: https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/gallant-leaving-team-gushue-at-end-of-the-season-100708408/