2025-26 champions honoured on Opening Weekend
It was a weekend for champions across the CHL.
The Memorial Cup and OHL champion Kitchener Rangers, WHL winning Everett Silvertips and QMJHL victors Chicoutimi Sagueneens all hoisted their respective banners to the rafters over the weekend.
The Rangers lifted their third Memorial Cup title and fifth OHL championship banner to the rafters at the Aud Friday night in front of a sell-out crowd. Kitchener’s victory in 2026 was their first Memorial Cup triumph in 23 years and their first OHL title since 2008. The Rangers took down Barrie in four games in the OHL Championship Series before they beat Everett 6-2 in the Memorial Cup final 6-2 in Kelowna, B.C.
Flags fly forever ♾️
The rafters at the Aud just got a lot more crowded as the @OHLRangers celebrated last season's successes before tonight's puckdrop.#OHLOpeningWeek | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/iWPBLkF0eo
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 18, 2026
Also on Friday, the Sags celebrated their first QMJHL title in 32 years at the Centre Georges-Vézina. A packed house helped the Sagueneens enjoy their return to the top of the QMJHL and also a third league title in franchise history. The Sags had been crowned champions after a Game 6 victory over the Moncton Wildcats.
What an atmosphere in Chicoutimi! 🤩
The @SagueneensLHJMQ raised their 2025-26 Gilles-Courteau Trophy banner tonight! 🏆#NissanHockey pic.twitter.com/m6UW2GHov3
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) September 19, 2026
Finally, on Saturday night, a long-awaited celebration took place in Everett as the Silvertips recognized their first ever WHL title at the Angel of the Winds Arena. The Tips reached the summit of the WHL after a five-game series win over the Prince Albert Raiders while they fell in the final to Kitchener in their first Memorial Cup appearance.
FOREVER CHAMPIONS!
Ahead of their season-opening game, the @WHLsilvertips raised their FIRST-EVER WHL Championship banner. #WHLOpeningWeek pic.twitter.com/VyTQCWFmYF
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) September 20, 2026
