After over 40 years in the game from a kid to being on the tour, Muenster's Bruce Korte is sliding away from the game of curling.

Korte made the announcement Sunday afternoon through the team's Facebook page, but says it was a decision that he made well in advance.

"I had known before the start of this year that this would be my last. I didn't tell the team because I didn't want it to become a distraction," he explained. "I'm pretty good here. I've had a lot of time to talk and think about it and I am ready to move on."

Many of his years on the ice, Korte was curling alongside his brother Roger. 

In March 2015, Korte formed a new team with brothers Kevin and Dan Marsh and Matt Lang, which was a drastic change for Korte from playing with more experienced players.

He says that was all part of the plan.

"At the end of my career, I wanted to dump my knowledge on some young guys. I never had that opportunity when I was young, and I was really proud of the guys and how they've transformed their game in the two years I've played with them."

Having appeared in three Canadian Men's Championships prior, Korte was seeking one last shot at glory in his final year.

That effort came up one game short, as they lost in the provincial semi-final to Steve Laycock.

Looking back on numerous years on the pebbled ice, Korte says his fondest memory goes back to his first appearance at the Brier, which came close to home.

"I really think the highlight was the 2000 Brier. For us to win the provincial championship for the first time, and being in Saskatoon, I've never seen a Brier that electric."

"That will always have a special place in my heart."

Korte represented Saskatchewan again in 2004, and played third for Darrell McKee's rink at the 2010 Brier.

You can hear more from Korte below, he joined Bolt FM's Ronald Quaroni shortly after the announcement.