Olympic Champion E.J. Harnden Announces Retirement from Competitive Curling
Sault Ste. Marie native to conclude decorated career after current season
December 28, 2025
Canadian curling star E.J. Harnden has announced he will retire from competitive curling at the end of the current season, bringing to a close a remarkable career highlighted by Olympic gold and multiple national championships.
The 42-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, shared the news Sunday via Instagram, expressing gratitude for a sport that has defined much of his life.
“This sport has given me more than I could have ever imagined. From the first stone I threw to competing at the highest level, curling has shaped who I am,” Harnden wrote in an emotional post. “Every time I stepped onto the ice, I gave everything I had — for my team, for the moment, and for the love of the game.”
A Career of Excellence
Harnden’s curling resume reads like a who’s who of championship victories. His crowning achievement came at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he and his brother Ryan won gold alongside their cousin, skip Brad Jacobs. That victory remains one of the defining moments in Canadian curling history.
Beyond Olympic glory, Harnden has collected an impressive array of medals:
- Three Canadian men’s curling championships (2013, 2023, 2024), with his last two Brier titles coming as part of Brad Gushue’s powerhouse St. John’s rink
- Four silver medals at the world championships (2013, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- Multiple Grand Slam victories throughout his career
Currently, Harnden plays second on Matt Dunstone’s Winnipeg-based team, where he continues to compete alongside his brother Ryan, who throws lead stones.
One Final Run
Before hanging up his broom, Harnden will have one more opportunity to add to his championship collection. He’ll compete for his fourth career Brier title at the 2026 Tim Hortons Brier, scheduled for February 27 to March 8 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The tournament will serve as a fitting finale for a curler who has consistently performed at the highest level of the sport for more than a decade.
Gratitude and Reflection
In his retirement announcement, Harnden thanked the many people who supported him throughout his journey, including teammates, coaches, and family members who stood by him through the highs and lows of elite competition.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and memories curling has provided me,” he said, acknowledging that moments like Canadian championships, Grand Slam victories, and Olympic gold “will stay with me forever.”
As E.J. Harnden prepares for his final season on the competitive circuit, the Canadian curling community will undoubtedly celebrate a career marked by dedication, excellence, and a deep love for the game.
