Five teams are competing for the 2026 Memorial Cup, including two from Alberta

For both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, this would be their first home ownership experience.

Hurricanes General Manager of Business Operations Terry Huisman said the city was close to qualifying for the 2020 tournament but felt things were better this time around.

“There’s a lot to go through in the four-step process, but we’re really happy with where we are and we’ll do our due diligence and hard work to make sure we get the best deal,” Huisman says.

In July, the City of Lethbridge approved a $1.25 million bid to host the league’s flagship tournament.

In addition to matching the monetary contribution, Medicine Hat will also support $655,000 worth of in-kind services.

Medicine Hat Tigers President Darrell Maser says this is an exciting time for their organization and other competitors.

“We also recognize that all of 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,” Maser said.

Of the five cities competing in the 2026 event, Brandon last hosted in 2010. Kelowna hosted the Memorial Cup in 2004 and Spokane hosted in 1998.

Each team participating in the tender will need to formally submit their bids to the selection committee in the coming weeks.

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

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