1998 Olympian and CBC curling commentator Mike Harris (above), newly returned from Alberta, is back in Ontario and has three-quarters of his new team firmed up.

John Epping, the youthful former national mixed champ and recent third-place finisher at the Ontario TSC Stores Tankard, will play third. Harris stalwart Trevor Wall throws lead.

The Curling News can also confirm that, yes indeed, Harris and Wayne Middaugh – on-ice rivals, off-ice pals and co-inductees into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame – were, until recently, talking about a merger.

It was Middaugh’s idea that he would throw third for Harris, but after a week of discussions, Middaugh eventually signed up Jon Mead and Graeme McCarrel instead.

“He (Middaugh) called it off, and my first thought was ‘Thank God’ ” Harris told TCN... with a grin.

“I thought I was the only one who was crazy to think about it.”

Harris’ second is expected to be confirmed next week.