City Council supports local bid to host 2026 Memorial Cup

With the continued community focus and partnership between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the City of Lethbridge at the forefront, Canada’s top hockey tournament is now closer to being hosted in Lethbridge for the first time.

Lethbridge City Council on Tuesday voted to provide $1.25 million and a letter of support to the Sport Tourism Advisory Committee in their bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. The event would be held across a 10-day period in late May and early June 2026 at the Sportsplex.

The Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League’s top prize, with the four-team tournament featuring league champions from the WHL, QMJHL, OHL as well as a host team – which would be the hometown Hurricanes.

"The Hurricanes bring a huge value to our community and having the Memorial Cup come to Lethbridge would be an absolute landmark event for the city and region," says Mayor Blaine Hyggen, who led a recommendation at the July 11 Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee meeting. “Most people know that I love the sport of hockey and am I proud Hurricanes fan, so this is an exciting opportunity.”

City Administration has reviewed the proposal and believes it is in alignment with the intent of CC55 Major Community Event Hosting Policy. Since funding from the grant program for the 2023-2026 Operating Budget has been fully allocated and the program had been deemed closed, Council voted to allocate proposed funding from the Municipal Revenue Stabilization Reserve (MRSR). There is no bidding fee paid to the CHL, therefore if the bid is unsuccessful, there is no financial impact for the City.

The full presentation from Brian Wichers, Terry Huisman and Susan Eymann from the Sport Tourism Advisory Committee can be viewed here. Potential host bids for the 2026 Memorial Cup must be submitted by September, with the CHL anticipated to announce the host city by late November this year.

“Hosting the Memorial Cup in Lethbridge would bring an immense sense of pride and prestige to the Lethbridge Hurricanes and to the city and region,” says Huisman, General Manager of Business Operations for the Lethbridge Hurricanes. “Our club has a proud history in this city and we are always looking for opportunities to showcase this dedication to our fans and community.”

A STEAM (Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model) has been prepared by the Lethbridge Sport Council. It is estimated that the 2026 Memorial Cup would provide a projected total economic impact of more than $12 million in Alberta, including a projected $9.25 million of direct and indirect economic output in Lethbridge.

The Sport Tourism Advisory Committee, which is also seeking Provincial support for the event, has already engaged with and received letters of support from key community stakeholders including ENMAX Centre; Tourism Lethbridge; Lethbridge Sport Council; the Lethbridge Soccer Association and Servus Sports Centre; Lethbridge College/Polytechnic; Lethbridge Police Service; Lethbridge Curling Club; Lethbridge Minor Hockey; and KidSport Lethbridge-Taber.

“Should the committee be successful in their bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup, we are committed to delivering an excellent event with a high level of hospitality and support that is required from the facility,” says Jennifer Norsworthy, Acting General Manager at the Sportsplex. “We are excited at the possibility of adding this tournament to the legacy of events that have taken place in this building.”

Other quick facts: 

• The Memorial Cup has been competed for since 1919 and is regarded as one of the premier hockey championships and sporting events in the world
• The 2026 Memorial Cup will mark the 106th time this prestigious trophy will be presented
• The event will involve 140 participants, including 105 from out-of-town
• In its 50-year history, the Sportsplex has hosted World Curling championships, the Brier, the Scotties, U Sports Men’s Hockey Championship, Skate Canada International, Cirque Du Soleil, Elton John, Kiss and Jerry Seinfeld