Ottawa has long been proud of its curling royalty, and the Harnden family sits near the top of that list: so when E.J. Harnden, along with Brier champion Matt Dunstone and teammate Colton Lott, pulled out of Rock League's inaugural season on Friday, it sent ripples through the curling world.
What Is Rock League?
Rock League is a newly launched professional curling circuit designed to give top-tier Canadian curlers a structured competitive league outside the traditional Curling Canada ecosystem. The inaugural season was meant to be a landmark moment for the sport, bringing together some of the best skips and teams in the country under a fresh format.
Instead, the league's opening chapter has been marked by high-profile departures before it even finds its footing.
The Withdrawals
Matt Dunstone, who captured hearts and headlines by winning the Tim Hortons Brier with Team Saskatchewan (playing out of Montana), was one of Rock League's marquee draws. His decision to step back, alongside Colton Lott and Ottawa's own E.J. Harnden, is a significant blow to the league's credibility and visibility heading into its first season.
No specific reason was given publicly for the trio's withdrawal, leaving fans and curling insiders to speculate. Whether it's scheduling conflicts, compensation concerns, or something else entirely, the timing is far from ideal for a league trying to establish itself.
Ottawa's Curling Connection
For Ottawa curling fans, E.J. Harnden is more than just a familiar name. He's part of a dynasty. His brothers Ryan and Scott Harnden have both competed at elite levels, and the family's ties to the capital run deep. Ottawa-area curlers and fans will be watching closely to see what this withdrawal means for E.J.'s competitive calendar going forward and whether he redirects his focus to other major events on the Curling Canada circuit.
The city has produced and celebrated some of Canada's best curlers over the decades, and any news involving Harnden tends to land close to home here.
What This Means for Rock League
The departure of Dunstone, Harnden, and Lott leaves Rock League in an awkward position. Inaugural seasons are critical for building fan bases, media attention, and sponsor confidence. Losing a Brier champion and two well-known teammates from the lineup is not the kind of headline the organizers were hoping for.
It remains to be seen whether the league can regroup, fill the gaps with other competitive teams, and still deliver a compelling product to curling fans across the country. Other top teams are still expected to participate, but the absences will be noticed.
Looking Ahead
For now, the curling community, from Ottawa rinks to Regina sheets, will be watching to see how Rock League responds. The sport has never had a stronger grassroots following in Canada, and there's real appetite for a pro circuit that elevates the game. But getting the big names to commit and stay committed is clearly going to be the first major hurdle.
Keep an eye on E.J. Harnden's next move. You can bet Ottawa will be cheering him on wherever he competes next.
Source: CBC Sports
