Tao Steps Into Third Role with Team Koe for 2026-27 Season

Kevin Koe is bringing fresh blood to his veteran Alberta rink, announcing that 23-year-old Johnson Tao will join the team next season as third, replacing Tyler Tardi. Tao, originally from Richmond, B.C. and now curling out of Edmonton, had been skipping his own competitive team -- and notably pushed Koe all the way to the provincial final this past January before falling short. He brings a decorated junior resume to the role, including gold at the 2023 Canadian Junior Curling Championships and the World Junior-B Championship that same year. Aaron Sluchinski and Karrick Martin return to round out the lineup as the six-time Grand Slam champion looks to reload heading into a new season.