Five teams have submitted bids to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. (Photo: WHL)

By David Opinko

Five teams bidding for 2026 Memorial Cup, including two from Alberta

Sep 23, 2024 | 9:56 AM

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) has announced the teams that have officially submit bids to host the Memorial Cup in 2026.

CHL President Dan MacKenzie says he is excited to have received bids from five outstanding WHL franchises.

“Featuring the best junior hockey teams in the world, the Memorial Cup is a world-class event that provides a host city with a unique opportunity to both showcase its community and create an impactful legacy that can be felt for years after the event,” says MacKenzie. “With five bidding WHL cities, it is clear the interest is high in hosting this one-of-a-kind tournament and we can’t wait to identify which WHL team will have that privilege in 2026.”

The bidding clubs are the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelowna Rockets and Spokane Chiefs.

For both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, this would be their first time ever hosting.

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Hurricanes G.M. of Business Operations Terry Huisman says he felt the city was very close with their bid for the 2020 tournament, but feels even better this time around.

“There are many things that we have to get through in the four-step process, but we really feel good about where we are at, and we are going to work hard and do our due diligence to make sure we have the best bid,” says Huisman.

Back in July, the City of Lethbridge approved a bid of $1.25 million to host the league’s most prized tournament.

Medicine Hat matched the financial contribution but would also include $655,000 worth of in-kind services.

President of the Medicine Hat Tigers Darrell Maser says it is an exciting time for their organization and the other contenders.

“We also recognize that all the teams bidding to host the tournament have excellent programs and facilities. Any of these organizations would be a deserving host for the Memorial Cup,” says Maser.

Of the five cities bidding for the 2026 event, Brandon hosted most recently in 2010. Kelowna held the Memorial Cup in 2004 and Spokane was the host in 1998.

Each of the bidding teams will have to formally present their bid to a selection committee in the coming weeks.

They will be evaluated based on business operations, local atmosphere/community engagement, event logistics, and hockey operations.

The host city is expected to be announced before the end of 2024.