Canadian curling star E.J. Harnden has announced his retirement from the sport, marking the end of a successful career spanning over a decade. The 42-year-old athlete, hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, revealed his decision via social media, confirming that the current season will be his final one in competitive curling.
Currently part of Matt Dunstone’s team based in Winnipeg, alongside his brother Ryan Harnden, E.J. Harnden is determined to conclude his career on a high note. He is set to compete for his fourth Canadian men’s curling championship at the upcoming Brier event in St. John’s scheduled for February.
The Harnden brothers gained global recognition after clinching a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, competing alongside their cousin and skip, Brad Jacobs. Despite a recent bid to return to the Olympic stage falling short, with a loss to Jacobs’ Alberta-based rink in the curling trials last month, the Harndens have left a lasting impact on the sport.
E.J. Harnden’s illustrious career includes four silver medals at the world championships, with notable achievements in 2013 and a streak of three consecutive silver medals from 2022 to 2024. Expressing gratitude for his curling journey, Harnden took to Instagram to reflect on his experiences, stating, “This sport has given me more than I could have ever imagined.”
Acknowledging the support of his teammates, family, and fans, Harnden emphasized the bittersweet nature of his decision to retire. He expressed his eagerness to conclude the season on a positive note before transitioning to a new chapter focused on spending quality time with his family and embarking on fresh endeavors.