Kelowna Rockets awarded the 2026 Memorial Cup

“I’d like to express my gratitude to these four finalists for all the work they put into creating outstanding bids. We look forward to working alongside the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna to make the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both fans and players alike.”

The decision by the CHL’s selection committee to select the Rockets was made after formal bid presentations by five Western Hockey League teams including the Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Spokane Chiefs.

The committee was comprised of sports leaders including Graeme Roustan (chairman and owner of the Hockey News), Colin Campbell (NHL Sr. executive vice-president of Hockey Operation), Aaron Fox (chair of Defence Team for McDougall Gauley), Kalli Quinn (event specialist at KAQ Event Consulting), and Paul Graham (executive producer and vice-president at TSN).

Each bid was evaluated based on four categories such as business operations, local atmosphere/community engagement, event logistics, and hockey operations.

“Congratulations to the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna, led by Bruce Hamilton, Mayor Tom Dyas, David Rush, and Steve Thomson, on successfully bringing the 2026 Memorial Cup to Kelowna,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near.

“As the selection committee reviewed all the submissions, it became abundantly clear that Kelowna has built an event that could go down as the greatest Memorial Cup in history. The Western Hockey League is thrilled to welcome hockey fans from all corners of the CHL to Kelowna – a gem in the heart of B.C.’s Okanagan – for what will undoubtedly be an exceptional event, complete with world-class hockey, entertaining festivities, and so much more.”

Kelowna last hosted the Memorial Cup in 2004 and marked the first and only time they won the championship title.

Most recently this past spring, the City of Kelowna committed to upgrading Prospera Place, including the installation of a brand-new scoreboard, improved lighting and sound systems, a dedicated press box, and more to help bolster the experience of fans and visitors.

“On behalf of the entire Kelowna Rockets organization, I’m more than thrilled for the co-chairs Dave Rush and Steve Thompson, as well as Gavin Hamilton, Jillian Haller, and of course, the City of Kelowna,” added Bruce Hamilton, Governor, president, and General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets.

“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. 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.”

Next year’s 2025 Memorial Cup will take place in Rimouski, Québec from May 22 to June 1, 2025.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Kelowna Rockets awarded the 2026 Memorial Cup

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