Image courtesy of the Canadian Hockey league

By Liam Verster

Canadian Hockey league Championship Tournament

Kelowna will host the 2026 Memorial Cup

Nov 27, 2024 | 1:17 PM

The top teams in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) will convene in the Okanagan for the national championship tournament in the spring of 2026.

The CHL announced Wednesday, Nov. 27, that the Kelowna Rockets would host the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup.

The Rockets were one of five Western Hockey League (WHL) teams to submit a bid to host the national championship tournament this past September, with the CHL adding this year had the largest number of bids from teams wishing to host the Memorial Cup since 2009.

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

“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.”

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This will be the second time that the Rockets play host to the national tournament, with the last time being in 2004. That year was also the first, and only time, that the Rockets won the tourney and hoisted the cup.

“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,” Bruce Hamilton, Governor, President, and General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets, stated.

“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.”

As host team, the Rockets will get to play in the Memorial Cup tournament, alongside the playoff champions from the WHL, Ontario Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The tournament will be held at Prospera Place, which underwent several upgrades this past spring including the installation of a new scoreboard, improved lighting and sound systems, and establishing a dedicated press box.