Kelowna Rocket Tij Iginla mid-celly as the crowd goes wild.
Image Credit: STEVE DUNSMOOR/KELOWNA ROCKETS
November 27, 2024 - 12:45 PM
Kelowna will be hosting the 106th Memorial Cup in spring 2026.
The Canadian Hockey League made the announcement today, Nov. 27. The Kelowna Rockets and five other Western Hockey League teams bid to host the event, according to a press release from the CHL.
The last time the city hosted Canadian junior hockey’s most coveted event was back in 2004.
“The 2026 Memorial Cup is for the City of Kelowna and the surrounding area. We get the chance to bring this event back to the Okanagan and while it has been a long grind to get it, we’re excited for the city as well as our season ticket holders. It’s an opportunity for something special,” the Kelowna Rockets’ general manager Bruce Hamilton said in the release.
The championship will be held at the Rockets' home arena Prospera Place now that the City of Kelowna has committed to making some necessary upgrades like a new scoreboard, lighting and sound systems, a dedicated press box, and more.
The last time bidding time came around for the Memorial Cup Prospera Place did not meet the minimum standards set by the CHL. After the Kelowna Rockets were unable to bid for the cup last time around it was determined that the arena would need millions of dollars worth of upgrades, and the city ended up deciding to look for a new operator for the facility.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without Mayor Tom Dyas and the City Council stepping up to make sure the building is brought up to CHL standard for the bid. We wouldn’t be in this position if not for the city’s commitment and support. The bid committee has done a phenomenal job and we’re so happy for our community,” Hamilton said.
READ MORE: Kelowna on the hunt for new Prospera Place manager
The CHL’s president Dan MacKenzie said the bidding to host the cup in 2026 was particularly competitive.
“We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” MacKenzie said in the release. “With the largest number of CHL teams seeking to host a Memorial Cup in more than 15 years, the selection process for the 2026 tournament was incredibly competitive given the strong bids put forth by all five bidding clubs, including the Brandon Wheat Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Spokane Chiefs.”
The 2025 Memorial Cup is going to be in Rimouski, Quebec from May 22 to June 1.
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