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(Image Credit: Tourism Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters
Tournament Mode

Kelowna opens Memorial Cup with waterfront welcome

May 22, 2026 | 10:58 AM

Festivities for the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna got underway on Thursday, with the city rolling out a waterfront welcome before holding a parade in downtown.

The trophy crossed Okanagan Lake with members of Westbank First Nation ahead of a celebration at Stuart Park, marking the start of a tournament that runs through May 31.

The puck drops Friday at Prospera Place as the host Kelowna Rockets face the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) champion Kitchener Rangers at 6 p.m. PT. The field also includes the Everett Silvertips as the winners of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Chicoutimi Saguenéens as the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey Leagues (QMJHL) champs.

Kelowna and Kitchener met just once before during the 2003 Memorial Cup in Quebec City, when the Rangers prevailed 4-2. It’s Kelowna’s first appearance at the national tournament since 2015, while Kitchener returns after an 18-year absence.

The Rockets are aiming to replicate their 2004 championship run as hosts, leaning on a mix of high-end draft talent and veteran leadership. Forward Tij Iginla, a Utah Mammoth first-round pick, leads the offence after a 90-point regular season, while captain Carson Wetsch and overage forward Shane Smith provide secondary scoring and experience.

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Kelowna’s supporting cast includes emerging Czech forwards Vojtech Cihar and Tomas Poletin, both of whom made immediate impacts after joining the club, as well as blue-liners Mazden Leslie and Parker Alcos anchoring the back end. In goal, Harrison Boettiger is expected to carry the load after a strong regular season and steady playoff showing.

Kitchener arrives as one of the tournament favourites after a dominant playoff run in the OHL, finishing 16-2 en route to the J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Rangers are powered by forwards Sam O’Reilly, Jack Pridham and Dylan Edwards, with O’Reilly leading the OHL postseason in scoring.

Defenceman Cameron Reid anchors the blue line, while goaltender Christian Kirsch brings consistency in net after starting every playoff game.

The 2026 Memorial Cup champion will be crowned May 31 at Prospera Place.

by Vernon Matters
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