Kelowna Rockets Selected As Hosts Of The 2026 Memorial Cup

The Memorial Cup is headed back to Kelowna. On Wednesday, the CHL announced that the Kelowna Rockets will host the 2026 Memorial Cup. The Rockets last hosted in 2004 and were also supposed to host in 2020 before the season was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a press release, CHL President Dan MacKenzie wrote, "We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup. 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."

The Rockets were awarded the 2026 Memorial Cup thanks to a selection committee, which included Graeme Roustan, the owner and publisher of The Hockey News. The selection committee reviewed all five bids before eventually deciding on Kelowna. In a statement, Roustan wrote, "It was an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve with the other members of the selection committee to evaluate and select the winning host City for the 2025 Memorial Cup which was a very difficult task due to the quality of all the bidders."

According to the press release, "the City of Kelowna committed to making several upgrades to 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 travelling to the home arena of the Kelowna Rockets."

Based on the current roster, the Rockets should have a strong team heading into their Memorial Cup year. NHL-drafted prospects Tij Iginla and Hiroki Gojsic should be on the roster, while Caden Price, Andrew Cristall and Jakub Stancl could return for their overager season. Kelowna also has some intriguing young players, such as Levi Benson, Kanjyu Gojsic, and Jake Pilon, who will all play important roles next season.

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