The Kelowna Rockets are hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup.
In a press release on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Canadian Hockey League announced the Rockets will be hosting the event, beating out four other teams who bid for the event - Medicine Hat Tigers, Spokane Chiefs, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Lethbridge Hurricanes.
“We are excited to be heading to Kelowna for the 2026 Memorial Cup,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie. “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.
"I’d like to express my gratitude to these four finalists for all the work they put into creating outstanding bids," added MacKenzie. "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 CHL's committee that made the decision included Graeme Roustan (Chairman and Owner of the Hockey News), Colin Campbell (NHL Sr. Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operation), Aaron Fox (Chair of Defence Team for McDougall Gauley), Kalli Quinn (Event Specialist at KAQ Event Consulting), and Paul Graham (Executive Producer & VP at TSN).
The bids were evaluated based on four categories: business operations, local atmosphere/community engagement, event logistics, and hockey operations.
“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," said WHL Commissioner Dan Near.
The Rockets hosted and won the Memorial Cup once before, in 2004, with a team led by now-current West Kelowna Warriors assistant coach Josh Gorges.
“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... It’s an opportunity for something special," added Rockets governor, president and general manager Bruce Hamilton.
Back in 2022, the Rockets aimed to host the 2023 Memorial Cup and submitted their intent to bid but Prospera Place was deemed unfit to CHL standards and needed to be upgraded. Kamloops hosted the event that year.
This year, Prospera Place went through some renovations including a brand-new scoreboard, improved lighting and sound systems, a dedicated press box, and more.
The Memorial Cup features the host team as well as the winners of the WHL, OHL, and OMJHL that season.
Dates for the 2026 event have yet to be announced.
