Final Stones: Brad Gushue’s Farewell Tour and What It Means for Curling
Curling is a sport that loves its legends, and one of the biggest just announced his final chapter. Brad Gushue, one of the most decorated skips in Canadian curling, will retire at the end of the 2025–26 season (World Curling). That means this year and next are his farewell lap across the sheets—every shot, every game, every “Hurry hard!” echoing just a little louder.
For curlers and curling fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. Gushue has been the face of the game for decades, and now we’re all lining up to watch him throw his final stones.
Why Gushue Matters
If you’ve curled more than one league game, chances are you’ve heard someone yell, “Do it like Gushue!” His name has become shorthand for clutch draws, steady skips, and curling swagger.
From Olympic gold to Brier dominance, Gushue is the model of consistency. He didn’t just win games—he shaped curling culture. His rivalries with Glenn Howard, Kevin Koe, and Brad Jacobs gave fans drama worthy of binge-watching.
And now? We get to celebrate him while he’s still on the ice.
The Changing of the Guard
With Gushue leaving, curling is clearly shifting. Younger teams like Ross Whyte’s squad are already making noise at events like the AMJ Campbell Masters (Sportsnet). Add in rising stars across Europe and Asia, and the curling landscape is looking very different from when Gushue first slid out of the hack.
But that’s part of curling’s charm. For every legend stepping away, a new broom-wielding rock star is ready to sweep in.
Curling Is More Than Stones and Sweeps
If there’s one thing we know at Curling Is Fun, it’s that the culture around the sport is just as important as the competition. Whether it’s bonspiel antics, goofy team names, or curling memes that make you spit out your coffee, the game thrives on its humor and community.
That’s why when Gushue’s retirement hit the headlines, I immediately thought: this is peak curling. A little sadness, a little celebration, and a lot of laughs in between.
If you missed it, check out our recent post When Curling Goes Bananas where we talked about the wild fan energy at the AMJ Masters. That same passion is exactly what will carry Gushue through his final tour.
What Curlers Are Saying
At the rink, chatter has already started:
- “Is he really hanging them up, or will he Brett Favre this?”
- “Do you think they’ll give him a ceremonial broom guard?”
- “Somebody better make a ‘Skip Happens’ shirt just for him.”
Speaking of shirts…you knew this was coming. Every team needs one shirt that screams curling humor. That’s why our funny curling shirts collection is stocked with designs like “Skip Happens” and “Guard Duty.” Perfect for wearing while you raise a glass to Gushue’s career.
Legacy in Ice (and in T-Shirts)
Curling doesn’t have statues in stadiums or massive jersey retirements. Instead, legacies live on in curling clubs, in bonspiel stories, and yes, in curling merch.
Think about it: the “Hack Attack” hoodie you wear to league night isn’t just a shirt—it’s a badge of belonging. That’s why we’re toying with the idea of a commemorative “Gushue’s Last Lap” tee. Not official, just a wink and a nod to one of the sport’s greatest.
Want to see how curling culture and merch collide? We covered it in our post Top 10 Curling Memes That Actually Capture the Sport. Because what’s a meme but a digital t-shirt for your brain?
Passing the Broom
As Gushue winds down, the sport gears up for new energy. Between Italy’s Stefania Constantini preparing for her hometown Olympics in 2026 (Reuters) and new training hubs opening across Canada (Sportsnet), curling’s future looks bright.
And let’s be real: the next generation of skips and sweepers are going to need just as many inside jokes, team hoodies, and late-night pizza runs as the legends before them. (If you don’t believe me, check out Why Curling Practice Is Just an Excuse for Post-Game Pizza.)
Final Stones
Brad Gushue’s announcement isn’t just about one man’s career ending. It’s about curling itself—the way it grows, the way it celebrates, the way it keeps us laughing even when the house is crowded.
So here’s the plan:
- Watch every game of his farewell tour like it’s your last chance to see curling history.
- Share your favorite Gushue moments in the comments.
- Pick up a funny curling shirt and wear it proudly during league night.
Because at the end of the day, curling is more than stones and brooms. It’s culture, community, and a little bit of chaos. And that’s exactly how we’ll remember Gushue.
Good curling, friends. 🥌