Kelowna Rockets to host 2026 Memorial Cup

• Lethbridge and Medicine Hat shut out with host bids

By James Tubb
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The CHL announced Nov. 27 the Kelowna Rockets will host the 2026 Memorial Cup.

The Rockets were one of five Western Hockey League teams in on the tournament, with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Brandon Wheat Kings, Spokane Chiefs and Lethbridge Hurricanes also submitting bids.

Kelowna was to host the 2020 Memorial Cup cancelled due to COVID-19. The Rockets previously hosted the Memorial Cup back in 2004, which marked the first and only time Kelowna has won the CHL’s championship event.

“We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” said Dan MacKenzie, president of the CHL in a 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. 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.”