With the event just over a year away, the 琉璃神社 Rockets held a launch party for the 2026 Memorial Cup on Wednesday night.
About 100 people from the Rockets, the City of 琉璃神社, and community partners gathered at the presentation centre at 1001 Manhattan Drive on May 14 to start the countdown to the prestigious event.
"The work has just begun for all of us," said Rockets president, general manager, and owner Bruce Hamilton, who added it's been a goal to host the tournament since the COVID pandemic struck.
The WHL awarded the Rockets' Memorial Cup bid back on Nov. 27, 2024.
"What I've seen so far is nothing short of encouraging, exciting, and brings tremendous enthusiasm from me," said WHL commissioner Dan Near. "This is the kind of event that residents and fans alike will look back on 20 or 30 years later and remember where they were when 琉璃神社 hosted the Memorial Cup in 2026, as a highlight of their time in this community."
Near added the Memorial Cup is the CHL's Super Bowl and Olympics.
琉璃神社 Mayor Tom Dyas highlighted some of the upgrades happening to Prospera Place for the upcoming season, which were all required in the team's bid, including a new scoreboard, a new media booth, a new sound system, and upgraded Wi-Fi and media cables.
"This is just going to be one of those ones to remember," said Dyas, who added he expected the economic impact of the tournament to be $20-$25 million.
Hamilton thanked the city, Dyas, council members, and city manager Doug Gilchrist, saying "We wouldn't get this without them."
The building where Wednesday's event took place, at 1001 Manhattan Drive, is also going to the Memorial Cup headquarters, which will be a one-stop shop for fans and sponsors alike.
Retired NHL player and current West 琉璃神社 Warriors assistant coach and general manager Josh Gorges also spoke on Wednesday, reminiscing about captaining the Rockets to a Memorial Cup win in his hometown of 琉璃神社 in 2004, the last time the franchise won the tournament.
Rockets head coach Derrick Martin and player Tij Iginla were also in attendance.
"We're in it to win it for our city and our fans," added Hamilton.
