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The Canadian Hockey League has announced that the Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers are the two finalists in the bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota Canada.
The finalists were selected by the 2027 Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee, an independent panel of five individuals with experience across the sports industry. The committee will now invite both clubs to submit formal written bids, which will be evaluated in four categories: Business Operations, Community Engagement & Atmosphere, Event Logistics, and Hockey Operations. Presentations and site visits will follow, with a final decision expected between late November and early December 2025.
“The Memorial Cup is the toughest trophy to win in amateur sport, and few markets reflect the history and passion for junior hockey more than Guelph and Kitchener,” said CHL president Dan MacKenzie. “Both communities are defined by devoted fan bases and a deep-rooted tradition in our game, and each has played an important role in shaping junior hockey’s history. The Memorial Cup continues to be a celebration of hockey excellence, community spirit, and national pride, and we are confident that either city would provide a fitting and exceptional stage for the 2027 tournament.”
Guelph Storm Vice-President of Business Operations Matt Newby said, “We’re thrilled to be one of the final two teams in the running to host the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota Canada. The opportunity to welcome hockey fans from across North America to Guelph, with the Memorial Cup as the centerpiece of a celebration of hockey and our city’s bicentennial, would be an incredible honour for our community.”
Kitchener Rangers COO Joe Birch stated, “We could not be more thrilled to be announced as a finalist to host the 2027 Memorial Cup – we believe that Kitchener is the perfect host city. Our city has a rich hockey history, outstanding facilities, and a dedicated fan base that would make the 2027 Memorial Cup an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors. We look forward to completing the next steps in the selection process.”
Both cities have strong ties to the Memorial Cup. Kitchener has won the tournament twice, in 1982 and 2003, and has hosted it four times. Guelph has competed in six Memorial Cups and last hosted in 2002.
The 2026 Memorial Cup will be hosted by the Kelowna Rockets from May 21 to 31. The last (and only) time Peterborough hosted the tournament was in 1996.
