With the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota approaching, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the 2026 Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee are pleased to unveil the schedule of festivities planned around the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup in Kelowna.
Hosted by the Kelowna Rockets, the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota will run May 21–31, 2026, marking the tournament’s return to Kelowna for the first time since 2004. The 106th Memorial Cup will be a milestone celebration of junior hockey, coinciding with the Rockets’ 30th anniversary season and the CHL’s 50th anniversary as the umbrella organization of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The City of Kelowna and Tourism Kelowna have played key roles as partners in bringing the 2026 Memorial Cup to the region, supporting efforts to showcase the community and deliver a world-class event experience. The tournament is projected to generate an economic impact of over $22.5 million for Kelowna, underscoring the significant benefits for local businesses and the broader community.
“Kelowna is thrilled to welcome the Memorial Cup back to our city,” said Tom Dyas, Mayor of Kelowna. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate one of the greatest and oldest traditions in Canadian sport, dating back more than 100 years. From the excitement inside the arena to the week of festivities across our city, there will be something for everyone - families, residents, and visitors alike. This event will bring energy to our downtown, support local businesses, and showcase everything that makes Kelowna such a vibrant place to live and visit. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the country, enjoying great hockey, and cheering on the Kelowna Rockets on home ice.”
Designed to bring the spirit of the Memorial Cup beyond the rink, downtown Kelowna will come alive with fan-first experiences, live entertainment, interactive activations, and community celebrations — all intended to create a memorable experience for residents, visitors, and fans alike.
“We are excited to welcome junior hockey players, fans, friends, and families from across North America to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” said Sara Correa, Business Development, Sports & Major Events lead at Tourism Kelowna. “Taking place during one of the most beautiful times of year, this 10-day event will energize our city, spark community pride, and create memorable experiences for both visitors and residents. For many, it will also be a first chance to experience everything the region has to offer — from our vibrant downtown and waterfront to outstanding food, drink, and outdoor adventure. Beyond the excitement, events of this calibre also deliver meaningful economic impact, generating thousands of room nights and supporting local businesses across the region during an important shoulder season.”
A wide array of events and activities is scheduled throughout the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, including:
- Arrival of the Cup presented by Canco | May 21, 4:30 p.m., Hot Sands Beach to Stuart Park
- Community Kickoff Event | May 21, 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Stuart Park
- Mini Memorial Cup Youth Ball Hockey Tournament presented by Tim Hortons | May 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Kelowna Memorial Arena
- Fan Breakfast | May 24, 8:30 a.m., Coast Capri Hotel
Additional events taking place daily from May 22 to May 31 include:
- Real Canadian Superstore Hockey Hub | Outside Prospera Place
- REMAX® Power Play Lounge | Outside Prospera Place
- Canco Family Zone | Stuart Park
- Hockey Hall of Fame presented by Pushor Mitchell LLP | Laurel Packinghouse
- Art Installations | Downtown Kelowna
Visit the Memorial Cup website for additional details on the above-listed events and others taking place at the 2026 Memorial Cup.
The 2026 Memorial Cup retail experience will also be an important part of the fan journey in Kelowna, highlighted by the official Memorial Cup retail store located outside the main gate at Prospera Place. Featuring a wide selection of official event apparel and merchandise from premier brands such as Under Armour and other official CHL licensees, the store will give fans plenty of ways to commemorate their Memorial Cup experience and take home a lasting piece of the tournament. Fans will also have access to an exclusive apparel collaboration with Okanagan Lifestyle, featuring a limited-edition collection that celebrates both the Okanagan and junior hockey’s biggest stage. Rooted in local pride and inspired by the energy, community, and pursuit of the Memorial Cup that define the tournament, the collection will offer a distinctive keepsake that feels authentically connected to Kelowna and the host region.
A very limited number of ticket packages for the 2026 Memorial Cup remain available and include access to all tournament games. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats now as anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable event in the Okanagan.
The Memorial Cup is a four-team round-robin tournament featuring the champions of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, along with a host team. As hosts, the Kelowna Rockets will be one of four participants, joined by the 2025–26 playoff champions from each of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. For more information on the 2026 Memorial Cup, visit chl.ca/memorialcup.
About the Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League’s iconic championship event, bringing together the league champions of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), along with a host team, in a four-club round-robin tournament to crown the national champion. First awarded in 1919, the Memorial Cup has become one of the most storied and prestigious trophies in hockey, shaping more than a century of junior hockey history in North America.
Originally donated by the Ontario Hockey Association to honour Canadian soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War, the trophy was rededicated in 2010 to commemorate all fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Today, the Memorial Cup stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and national pride, while showcasing the best junior hockey talent in the world.
About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and nine American teams participating in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. During the 2024-25 season, of the 1,000-plus players who played a game in the NHL, over 415 came through the CHL. At the 2025 NHL Draft, 90 CHL players were selected, including 21 in the first round. For more information regarding the CHL, please visit chl.ca.
Media Contact
Christopher Séguin, Media Relations Manager, CHL
437-431-0651 | cseguin@chl.ca