Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm are finalists to host the 2027 Memorial Cup. CHL to announce the winning bid later this year.
Two Ontario Cities in Contention
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced Thursday that the Kitchener Rangers and the Guelph Storm are the two finalists to host the prestigious 2027 Memorial Cup. The decision on the winning bid will be made in late November or early December.
A Prestigious Championship
The Memorial Cup is junior hockey’s national championship, contested by teams across the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). With 61 teams across Canada and the United States, the tournament is considered one of the hardest trophies to win in hockey.
Kitchener’s Bid Backed by Upgrades
The Rangers are making their pitch on the strength of renovations to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which will be completed ahead of the upcoming season. Rangers COO Joe Birch said the team is “incredibly grateful” to be named a finalist. He noted that the city last hosted the tournament in 2008 and that fans are eager for its return. Hosting, Birch added, would bring major economic benefits to hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Guelph’s Historic Anniversary
The Guelph Storm’s bid ties into a milestone moment: the city’s 200th anniversary in 2027. Matt Newby, the team’s vice president of business operations, said the chance to host the Memorial Cup during such a landmark year would be an “incredible honour” for the community. He emphasized the opportunity to bring fans from across North America to Guelph for a celebration that would blend hockey and history.
CHL Praises Both Markets
CHL president Dan MacKenzie called both Guelph and Kitchener “defined by devoted fan bases and a deep-rooted tradition in our game.” He highlighted the important role each community has played in shaping junior hockey.
Next Steps in the Selection
The final host city will be chosen by an independent panel of five experts with experience across the sports industry. Before 2027, the Memorial Cup will head west, with Kelowna, B.C., set to host the 2026 tournament.
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