Rangers of Kitchener vying to organize Memorial Cup event
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has seen several teams submit bids or express interest in hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. Among the contenders are the Kitchener Rangers, Guelph Storm, Niagara IceDogs, and Kingston Frontenacs.
The Kitchener Rangers, two-time Memorial Cup champions, have officially submitted their bid to host the tournament for the first time since 2008. Joe Birch, the team's COO, confirmed the bid, stating that the Rangers' fans are the most passionate in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The team's history of winning the Memorial Cup in 1982 and 2003 strengthens their bid.
Guelph Storm, motivated by the fact that 2027 coincides with Guelph’s 200th birthday, has also announced their bid for the prestigious event. The city council supports the bid and has pledged a one-time grant of $600,000 if successful. Notably, Guelph has never won the Memorial Cup.
The Niagara IceDogs and Kingston Frontenacs have also declared their intent to bid, aiming to bring the event to St. Catharines and Kingston, respectively, for the first time.
Conversely, the Soo Greyhounds have confirmed they will not bid for hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup due to economic concerns and the resources demanded for such an event.
All official submissions were due by mid-August 2025. A shortlist of candidates is expected to be announced in October 2025, with the winning host city and team to be revealed near the end of November 2025. It is traditionally awarded to the top teams from the OHL, Western Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, and the host team.
The Memorial Cup tournament, held over two weeks in May, attracts thousands of hockey fans from across the country. The event is one of the most sought-after trophies in junior hockey. The CHL does not allow for collaborative bids for the Memorial Cup.
The Kitchener Rangers will need to ensure that their building is available for the potential time frames for their bid to be successful. The City of Kitchener supports the Rangers' bid for the 2027 Memorial Cup. However, the Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers will not be working together on their bids for the 2027 Memorial Cup.
The 2027 Memorial Cup will be a competition between the top junior hockey teams in Canada. The CHL will announce the host city for the 2027 Memorial Cup in late November or early December.
References
- The Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm bid for 2027 Memorial Cup
- Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm submit bids for 2027 Memorial Cup
- Soo Greyhounds pass on 2027 Memorial Cup hosting bid
- OHL teams bid for 2027 Memorial Cup
- Guelph Storm to bid for 2027 Memorial Cup
The Kitchener Rangers, with their passionate fan base and a history of winning the Memorial Cup, have officially submitted their bid to host the 2027 tournament, aiming to bring the event back to their city since 2008. Meanwhile, the Guelph Storm, motivated by the city's 200th birthday, have also announced their bid for the prestigious hockey event, hoping to make history as the first Guelph team to win the Memorial Cup.
