Winnipeg curler Reid Carruthers has announced his retirement from competitive curling after a distinguished career spanning over 20 years. Meanwhile, Team Kate Cameron, a Manitoba women's rink, has decided to part ways following three seasons together. These changes come shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The curling landscape in Manitoba is undergoing significant changes in the wake of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Reid Carruthers, a 41-year-old from Winnipeg, has retired from competitive play after achieving numerous accolades. He is an 11-time provincial champion, including nine Manitoba men's curling titles: three as second for Jeff Stoughton, two as third, and four as skip. His resume also includes two Brier victories, one World Championship, two Grand Slam titles, and 13 Brier appearances. Recently, Carruthers was announced for induction into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame.
Carruthers explained his decision, noting the end of another Olympic quadrennial cycle. "Most of the teams form based off wanting to play for four years," he said. "And I definitely don’t see myself wanting to do that at this point. I’m 41 now. I’ve tried getting to the Olympics. It’s one of those dreams that just doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for me and I’m perfectly fine with that. I’ve been very blessed to get to numerous Briers and it’s time to focus on other things in life and the primary reason would be my son."
He plans to remain involved in the sport by coaching Team Kerri Einarson at the upcoming World Championship, after which they will re-evaluate their arrangement. Carruthers intends to participate in occasional bonspiels, teach young curlers, and grow the game. He also aims to pursue a Manitoba senior title once he turns 50, adding to his existing junior, mixed, and men's championships. Reflecting on his career, he credited joining Stoughton's rink at age 24: "I was very fortunate to get that call at a young age... I got to learn from the greatest Manitoba curler of all time in Jeff. We had great teammates."
His former teammates—third BJ Neufeld, second Catlin Schneider, and lead Connor Njegovan—are still deciding their next steps.
Separately, Team Kate Cameron of the St. Adolphe Curling Club announced their disbandment on social media. Formed three seasons ago by skip Kate Cameron, second Taylor McDonald, and lead Mackenzie Elias, the team added third Briane Harris this past season to pursue Olympic goals. They won the 2025 Manitoba women's title with Allison Flaxey after Meghan Walter stepped back following 2024. However, this season ended with a provincial semifinal loss and a world ranking of 35th, missing tier-one Grand Slam events.
The team posted on Instagram: "Kate Cameron, Taylor McDonald and Mackenzie Elias started this team three seasons ago, and have shared many great moments along the way. We were lucky enough to add Briane Harris this past season to push for our Olympic dreams. Although the season didn’t receive the results we hoped for, we remain great friends and will forever be cheering each other on in whatever is next."
