Team Jacobs is back — but not the Northern Ontario version

Brad Jacobs' time as a free agent didn't last very long.

The Sault skip is joining third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert for next season — former teammates of Brendan Bottcher who are based in Alberta. Kennedy made the announcement on social media Wednesday evening.

"Looking forward to playing with a familiar face!" Kennedy said as part of his announcement that Jacobs would be joining the team.

"Me too Marc! Excited for the new challenge," Jacobs said in response.

Based on Kennedy's post, the new rink will be called Team Jacobs.

"We hope everyone has a great summer and stay tuned for more Team Jacobs Updates," the post reads.

Looking forward to playing with a familiar face! pic.twitter.com/zRh6hOMwVF

— Marc Kennedy (@Leftykenbear) April 17, 2024

In the Sault, of course, the original Team Jacobs was the all-in-the-family curling powerhouse that included brothers E.J. and Ryan Harnden, Jacobs' cousins. With Ryan Fry as third, the team won the 2013 Brier and Olympic gold in 2014.

After Fry left the group, Kennedy joined Team Jacobs from 2019-22 and won three consecutive Grand Slam titles. The pair will now be reunited, along with Gallant and Hebert.

The new Team Jacobs was announced Wednesday evening, just hours after the Sault curler parted ways with Reid Carruthers and his Manitoba-based curling team. It also comes a day after Edmonton's Bottcher parted ways with his team after a two-year run.

Jacobs joined the team based near Winnipeg, which also includes second Derek Samagalski and lead Connor Njegovan, midway through the 2022-23 season as a replacement for former third Jason Gunnlaugson.

He became a permanent member of the team this season and took over as skip when he swapped roles with Carruthers in December.

"It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to part ways with Reid, Derek, Connor and (coach Rob Meakin)," Jacobs said in a statement on social media. "It is never easy nor enjoyable to make these tough decisions.

"They welcomed me with open arms, treated me like family, were incredible teammates and friends."

Team Carruthers appeared in the Canadian men's championship in February after winning Manitoba's provincial playdown. The squad most recently finished 2-3 and out of the playoffs at last week's season-ending Grand Slam of Curling Players' Championship.

"Brad was a huge part in our team's success, including representing Manitoba at the 2024 Brier, and we wish him all the best in the future," Team Carruthers said in a statement.

— with files from The Canadian Press