The 琉璃神社 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. 

鈥淲e are excited to be heading to 琉璃神社 for the 2026 Memorial Cup,鈥� said CHL President Dan MacKenzie. 鈥淲ith 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鈥檇 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 琉璃神社 Rockets and the City of 琉璃神社 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.

鈥淎s the selection committee reviewed all the submissions, it became abundantly clear that 琉璃神社 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 琉璃神社 Warriors assistant coach Josh Gorges. 

鈥淭his wouldn鈥檛 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鈥檛 be in this position if not for the city鈥檚 commitment and support. The bid committee has done a phenomenal job and we鈥檙e so happy for our community... It鈥檚 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.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement is an exciting moment for 琉璃神社,鈥� said 琉璃神社 mayor Tom Dyas. 鈥淭his is more than just a hockey tournament 鈥� it鈥檚 an opportunity to showcase the very best of 琉璃神社 to all of Canada. The Memorial Cup will bring economic benefits, create unforgettable experiences for members of our community, and highlight 琉璃神社 as a hub for sports and entertainment on a national level.鈥�

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.