The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is pleased to announce that Kelowna, British Columbia, has been chosen to host the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026.The Kelowna Rockets were one of five Western Hockey League (WHL) franchises to submit a formal written bid back in September, representing the largest number of CHL clubs vying to host a Memorial Cup since 2009.
“We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “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.”
“Congratulations to the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna, led by Bruce Hamilton, Mayor Tom Dyas, David Rush, and Steve Thomson, on successfully bringing the 2026 Memorial Cup to Kelowna,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “As the selection committee reviewed all the submissions, it became abundantly clear that Kelowna has built an event that could go down as the greatest Memorial Cup in history. The Western Hockey League is thrilled to welcome hockey fans from all corners of the CHL to Kelowna – a gem in the heart of B.C.’s Okanagan – for what will undoubtedly be an exceptional event, complete with world-class hockey, entertaining festivities, and so much more.”
The 2026 Memorial Cup will represent just the second time Kelowna has ever hosted this prestigious tournament. 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. Led by 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee Shea Weber and 13-year NHL veteran Josh Gorges, the Kelowna Rockets edged the Gatineau Olympiques in the 2004 Memorial Cup final to capture the Memorial Cup trophy on home ice in front of a sold-out crowd at Prospera Place.
This past spring, 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.
L to R: David Rush, Bid Committee Co-Chair, Bruce Hamilton, President & GM Kelowna Rockets, Steve Thomson, Bid Committee Co-Chair, Jillian Haller, Host Committee Event Manager, Mayor Tom Dyas, Gavin Hamilton, VP of Business Development, Kelowna Rockets.
“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,” added Bruce Hamilton, Governor, President, and General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets. “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.”
In 2026, the Memorial Cup will be awarded for the 106th time in its history. The Kelowna Rockets will be one of four clubs to play in the 2026 Memorial Cup alongside the playoff champion from each of the OHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL).
'We are thrilled to hear that our destination has been chosen to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. The bidding process was extensive and involved dedicated work from the Kelowna Rockets, the City of Kelowna, and our team," says Tourism Kelowna President & CEO Lisanne Ballantyne. "Securing the cup solidifies Kelowna's growth as a hub for major sporting events, and we look forward to the economic impact the Memorial Cup will have on our destination in 2026."
Events of this calibre offer a welcome economic boost for the local community, building up visitation during months when availability is higher. The 2026 Memorial Cup is forecast to generate close to 4,000 room nights (not counting fans or families). The economic impact of the 2023 Memorial Cup in Kamloops resulted in $16.3M of economic output in the city and $19.6M in the province. In addition to attending events for the Memorial Cup, visitors will be encouraged to explore our region and visit our restaurants, eateries, and coffee shops, share tastings at breweries and wineries, and visit local attractions.
Tourism Kelowna supported the Kelowna Rockets bid through its Major Event Strategy, with our team assisting with bid development, securing funding, and nurturing critical relationships with key stakeholders. For more information about Tourism Kelowna's Major Event Strategy, contact me at sara@tourismkelowna.com.
Click here for the full press release from the Kelowna Rockets.
About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 51 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 2023-24 season, of the 1,000-plus players who played a game in the NHL, over 430 came through the CHL. At the 2024 NHL Draft, 88 CHL players were selected, including 14 in the first round. For more information regarding the CHL, please visit chl.ca.
About the Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
