Team Manberta

Both Jeff Stoughton and Kerry Burtnyk tapped into the province of Alberta to replace their respective thirds. Stoughton added Kevin Park while it is anticipated Burtnyk will officially announce Don Walchuk as his new third.

Stoughton has spun the move as reloading his team versus replacing Ryan Fry. I anticipate Burtnyk will use the same press conference line with Walchuk.

Both guys are looking for a spark or a thrower that will allow them to compete with Kevin Martin and Glen Howard but let's be honest, picking up a couple of thirds that were kicked aside in Alberta won't scare Martin or Howard much.

Wicek outlines the move and details the new curlers as well as provides his commentary on the level of Manitoba curling. It will be interesting to see Stoughton and Burtnyk chase the Olympic spot with their new teams but to me the big positive out of this news is that Team Carruthers and Team McEwen stuck together. Both teams will help raise the level in the talent pool soon enough. Calm down Wicek.