The 琉璃神社 Rockets are bidding for the 2026 Memorial Cup.
The team and the City of 琉璃神社 made a joint announcement at a media event on June 13.
Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton said the time is right for another shot.
"One, we wanna win, and I want it back in this city. The mayor (Tom Dyas) wants it too,鈥� 鈥淗e thinks we deserve another chance.鈥�
Dyas was the committee chairperson of the successful 2020 Memorial Cup bid which was eventually cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淚鈥檒l share the playbook,鈥� he said, answering a question about who the 2026 committee chairperson might be. 鈥淲e're having some discussions right now.鈥�
The city has also committed $3.7 million for needed upgrades to Prospera Place to host the 10 day tournament. A bid for the 2023 Memorial Cup fell flat after the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) said the arena was not up to modern standards.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been somewhat hand cuffed鈥etting the facility up to the standard,鈥� Hamilton said. 鈥淣ow that the city is fully committed鈥t made a lot of sense to move forward.鈥�
The city鈥檚 financial commitment, coming from capital reserves, will include a new scoreboard, lighting, audio systems, a permanent media facility, zambonis and other items.
鈥淲e are developing a list of what needs to be done,鈥� Dyas added. 鈥淚 know we will get further feedback from the CHL for the facility to meet requirements of the bid.鈥�
Dyas and Hamilton expressed appreciation for GSL Group, which operates Prospera Place, for supporting the bid. The agreement between GSL and the city expires in 2029.
As of June 13, it was not known if the Rockets have competition for the 2026 tournament. Western Hockey League teams have until June 14 to submit their intent to bid to the CHL, and bids can be kept private.
The 琉璃神社 Rockets first hosted the Memorial Cup in 2004, winning the tournament with captain Josh Gorges, 18-year-old Shea Webber and MVP goaltender Kelly Guard.
The 2026 Memorial Cup winning city will be announced on December 14, 2024.
