After the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Kelowna Rockets from hosting the Memorial Cup four years ago, the team is getting another chance.
The WHL awarded the 2026 Memorial Cup to the B.C. city on Wednesday, with Kelowna beating out bids from the Spokane Chiefs, Brandon Wheat Kings, Medicine Hat Tigers and Lethbridge Hurricanes.
CHL president Dan MacKenzie said the 2026 competition attracted the most bids for a Memorial Cup in more than 15 years.
Kelowna was awarded the 2020 event before it was cancelled because of the pandemic.
The city last hosted the Memorial Cup in 2004, with the Shea Weber-led Rockets winning their first and only CHL crown. The Rockets have won four WHL championships since relocating to Kelowna in 1995.
The Rockets’ five appearances at the Memorial Cup since 2003 are the second-most of any CHL franchise over that stretch, trailing only the six trips made by the London Knights.
"The bid committee has done a phenomenal job and we’re so happy for our community," Rockets president/GM Bruce Hamilton said in a statement. "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.”
Some considered Medicine Hat a front-runner for the 2026 event with the Tigers featuring top 2026 NHL Draft prospect and current WHL scoring leader Gavin McKenna.
The Rockets are a middling 9-9-2 this year. The team is led by Utah Hockey Club first-round pick Tij Iginla, son of Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla.
The 2025 Memorial Cup is in Rimouski, Que.
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