Five Western Hockey League teams — including four Canadian clubs — are vying to host the Memorial Cup in 2026.
The Canadian Hockey League announced Monday that the Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs have all submitted formal bids to host the league’s championship tournament.
For over 100 years, players have pursued glory but the illustrious Memorial Cup has never been lifted south of Calgary.
While the Medicine Hat Tigers have been crowned champions on two occasions, the tournament has yet to be played in any of the Alberta Prairie arenas.
This has left some residents hoping for a chance to see the cup in Lethbridge.
“It’s exciting, finally. Let’s get it this time,” said Brandon Rudics, a hockey fan in Lethbridge. “Hopefully the (league) executives make the right decision this year and Lethbridge will get to host the cup.”
He says there are several reasons why Lethbridge should host the CHL Championship.
“(It will) help with the tourism, the building is nice, the (visitlethbridge.com Arena) is nice… The city is going to support it.”
Dan MacKenzie, president of the CHL, says the tournament represents more than just a game on ice.
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“I think a lot of this is about these cities coming forward and telling a bit of a story about their community and how the Memorial Cup can help them have a positive impact on their communities.”
The amount of teams bidding is also a positive point for the league.
“This is the first time in about 15 years that we’ve had this many cities bid. So, I think it really shows the interest and the excitement to host an event like this.”
The Western Hockey League says this is a sign of the strength of hockey in Western Canada.
“You wonder about the COVID hangover and how teams are faring. This is really a signal that the game is back, this is such an important property and event for each of the communities. It’s awesome to have five competing, but it’s also a great deal of pressure because that means four won’t get it,” said Dan Near, commissioner of the WHL.
Beyond the rink, the host city can see significant economic impacts as a result of having the memorial cup in town.
Cyndi Bester Crane is the CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and she says every local business should hope for a Lethbridge Memorial Cup.
“A successful bid would be wonderful for all businesses in town because it just increases that foot traffic. It also increases the awareness of what Lethbridge has to offer.”
As a result, Bester Crane says the effects of a potential Memorial Cup could leave a long-term impact on the southern Alberta city.
The teams will formally present their bid to a selection committee, which will evaluate the proposals based on business operations, local atmosphere/community engagement, event logistics, and hockey operations.
The winner is expected to be announced in December 2024.
Hosting guarantees a team a spot in the tournament, alongside the champions of the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
The 2025 Memorial Cup will be played in Rimouski, Que., from May 22 to June 1.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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