Stoughton shuffling squad for Brier

WINNIPEG – Three-time Brier champion Jeff Stoughton is shuffling his line-up for the upcoming Canadian men’s curling championship in Kamloops, BC.

Mark Nicholls will move up to throw second stones, swapping places with Reid Carruthers who will now play lead.

“In examining our team, we came to the conclusion that we may not be maximizing the skill set everyone brings to the game,” said Stoughton. “In Reid, we have one of the great touch players in the game today. Mark has mastered the lead position in a short time yet we haven’t forgot what he’s known for most. Mark is an outstanding takeout artist and we believe this switch in roles will maximize the skill-set that these two possess. It may just add that tiny percentage that is the difference between winning and losing at the highest level.”

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Stoughton will be representing Manitoba for an 11th time at the Canadian championship. The Charleswood skip will be one of the favourites along with Alberta’s Kevin Koe.

“As a team, we have decided to make this switch because we believe it will give us the best chance to maximize the talents we each possess,” said Stoughton. “It’s a commitment to our team and being the best we can be.”

The 2014 Brier begins March 1st in Kamloops.