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Grant Spada and the Guelph Storm announce the launch of Spada Strong

chlwebproduct — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:28:24 +0000

Guelph Storm blueliner Grant Spada is proud to announce the launch of Spada Strong, an initiative focused on uplifting and supporting those living with childhood cancer.

“Real strength is choosing hope over fear—every single time. My mom didn’t just fight cancer, she changed the way I see life," said blueliner Grant Spada. "When everything around her said to be afraid, she chose faith. When the outcome was uncertain, she chose to believe in something better. She faced everything with courage, trust, and a mindset that refused to give up."

Grant will be raising funds to be donated to McMaster Children's Hospital, which is one of Canada's largest pediatric academic care teaching hospitals. Located in Hamilton, Ont., the hospital is home to one of the fastest-growing kids-only emergency departments, as well as one of the most advanced neonatal intensive care units in the country. In addition to the monetary donations, Spada and the Guelph Storm will be welcoming pediatric patients to various home games as "Spada's Star of the Game", with the hope of providing a meaningful way to brighten their day. Each Star of the Game will be recognized by the team, receive complimentary tickets to the game, and meet with Grant post-game.

When Grant was growing up, his mother, Alison Spada, was diagnosed with stage three brain cancer and underwent four major surgeries during her journey. While this is something most cannot imagine, what stuck out to Grant was how his mother faced this battle, "She had belief in her heart and soul that she was going to make it through, and she held onto that no matter what," said Spada.

Fast forward to June 2026, it has now been eight years with no hospital stays, and eight years of stable MRIs for Alison. The kind of strength and resiliency that Alison continues to display is something Grant carries with him into all of his endeavors, both on and off the ice.

"What means the most to me is that through all of it, she never stopped being there for my sister and me. Every game, every moment - she's always been our biggest supporter," said Grant. "She's my hero, and because of her, I've learned what real strength looks like. It's not always about getting through the hardest moments, but how you carry yourself through them, how you believe, and how you keep going."

Alison is Grant's inspiration for starting Spada Strong. His goal is not simply to share his mother's story, but to unite with the many who have been touched by cancer in their lives. He wants to honour the children who are going through their own battles, to provide additional hope and support towards their fight.

Donations to Spada Strong can be made here. Throughout the 2026/2027 season, other forms of fundraising and engagement will be announced.

"If you are in a place where you can support, donate, or even simply share this message, it means more than you know," added Grant.

Please contact Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator Lisa Della Mattia, ldellamattia@guelphstorm.com, with any questions.

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Manny Malhotra named Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks by the Ontario Hockey League

chlwebproduct — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:46:50 +0000

Former Guelph Storm captain and OHL champion Manny Malhotra has been named the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the 23rd in franchise history. Malhotra joins the Canucks after spending the past two seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. During his time with Abbotsford, the team posted a record of 72-61-6-5, which included a franchise-best 44 wins and 92 points in 2024-25, en route to the franchise’s first Calder Cup Championship. Prior to his time in Abbotsford, Malhotra spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also previously worked within the Canucks organization, serving as a Development Coach in 2016-17 before being promoted to Assistant Coach from 2017-20. A native of Mississauga, Ont., Malhotra played three seasons with the Guelph Storm from 1996-99, helping the club capture an OHL championship in 1998. Selected seventh overall by the New York Rangers in the 1998 NHL Draft, he went on to enjoy a 16-season NHL career, appearing in 991 regular-season games while recording 295 points (116-179–295) and 451 penalty minutes. Malhotra also appeared in 35 Stanley Cup Playoff games and spent three seasons with Vancouver during his playing career, helping the Canucks reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. He is also the father of Brantford Bulldogs forward Caleb Malhotra, who was named an OHL Rookie of the Year finalist this season.

Storm acquire Lightning prospect Ethan Czata from the IceDogs

chlwebproduct — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:59:14 +0000

General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Guelph Storm have acquired forward Ethan Czata and a conditional 15^th round pick (NIA) in 2027 from the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for forward Carter Lewandowski, defenseman Zack Naish, a 2nd round pick (KGN) in 2028, a 3rd round pick (OSH) in 2026, a 4th round pick (GUE) in 2029, and a 5^th round pick (GUE) in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.

“Ethan is amongst the top two-way forwards in the Ontario Hockey League,” said George Burnett. “He is a leader who competes hard each and every night. The pace in which he plays and the details within his game allow him to be successful in all situations. We are excited to welcome Ethan and his family to Guelph.”

The 2007-born forward was originally selected in the first round (5th overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-2, 190 lbs forward has recorded 125 points (53 goals, 72 assists) in 193 regular season games. Czata served as the IceDogs captain for the 2025-26 season.

Czata represented his country on three occasions - once during the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, once at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and again during the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships – winning a gold medal at all three events. Czata and Storm Head Coach Cory Stillman won gold with Team Canada at the 2025 U18 World Championships, where the Brampton, ON native finished the tournament with five points (one goal and four assists), including a goal in the gold medal game.

Czata was drafted in the second round (56^th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in last year’s NHL Entry Draft and signed his entry level contract with the club a month later. The Lightning prospect recorded 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 63 games with Niagara last season. After the OHL playoffs, Czata was re-assigned to the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, and suited up for three games.

“I am honoured to be a member of the Storm and to help this team compete for a Memorial Cup,” said Czata. “I always loved playing in Guelph because of the passionate fans and I am happy I get to play for them this year.”

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

Jr. Reporter – Kalina – Friday, March 20

chlwebproduct — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:29:16 +0000

One game each week will feature a member of the Jr. Stormers Kids Club as the Junior Reporter. The participant will have a pre-game tour of the media spaces at the Sleeman Centre, receive a pizza from Domino’s, and have the chance to interview a Guelph Storm player following the game. Click here to sign up today!

Friday, March 20 OS @ GUE What is your go-to thing to do before a game day? Wil McFadden: “I just like to rest. I always have a big breakfast with my billet brother Rylan, I take a nap, and then I come to the rink for the game." How many times does this team practice a week, and how long are the practices? Wil McFadden: "We practice as a full team every day, and the practices are about an hour. Some of us have morning ice times as well." Who is one of your good friends on the team, and what makes them such a great friend? Wil McFadden: "I feel like I'm good friends with a lot of guys on this team, but I would say Rylan Singh. We're together a lot, we spend a lot of time together."

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests. The 2025-2026 Season is proudly presented by Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars.

Illia Shybinskyi commits to St. Lawrence University

chlwebproduct — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:23:40 +0000

Illia Shybinskyi has committed to St. Lawrence University for the 2027-2028 season.

Shybinskyi, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, was selected by the Storm in the 5th round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his rookie season, he registered 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points through 60 games played. “I’m honoured to be committing to St. Lawrence University," said Illia. "It’s exciting to get the opportunity to play in the OHL and the NCAA. I’m not thinking about the jump yet, as we have a big season ahead. That’s what I’m focused on. I can’t wait to get started back in Guelph with all the boys. In April 2026, Illia represented Ukraine at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, where he notched 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 5 games. St. Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college. Their Men’s Hockey team, the Saints, are a NCAA Division 1 program that competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

2026 Graduating Class: Guelph Storm by the Ontario Hockey League

chlwebproduct — Fri, 29 May 2026 14:27:40 +0000

After returning to the postseason with one of the league's youngest rosters, the Guelph Storm saw their playoff run come to an end in the opening round. Despite the early exit, the organization has plenty to be optimistic about moving forward as its young core continues to develop ahead of a significant chapter in franchise history. Last season, it was announced that the Storm would host the 2027 Memorial Cup, giving the club an opportunity to continue building toward the national spotlight over the next year. Now, they say goodbye to the lone member of their graduating class as Ethan Miedema moves on from the OHL following the conclusion of his overage season. Ethan Miedema (Guelph Storm, Kingston Frontenacs, Windsor Spitfires – 2021-26) Acquired by the Storm during the offseason, Ethan Miedema put together a strong overage campaign, recording 47 points (25-22–47). In December, he also became the first OHL player born in the 2000s to reach the 300-career-game milestone. Prior to arriving in Guelph, Miedema spent time with both the Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires. The 21-year-old from Cobourg, Ont., concludes his OHL career with 235 points (100-135–235) across 335 regular-season games. Originally selected fourth overall by Windsor in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Miedema was later chosen by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He is committed to Bemidji State University for the 2026-27 season. 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Guelph Storm boasts four 2006-born players in Leo Serlin, Hunter McKenzie, Rowan Topp, and Christopher Soares*.

Consensus Ontario Top-100 List revealed ahead of 2026 OHL Priority Selection by the Ontario Hockey League

chlwebproduct — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:55:52 +0000

For the first time since the year 2000, the future of the Ontario Hockey League will be drafted under one roof. The 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore is heading to Kingston, Ontario, on June 12-13, bringing the excitement of draft day back to a live, in-person format.

As the hockey world prepares to descend on the Limestone City, the scouting community has been hard at work evaluating the next wave of premier talent. To set the stage for this historic weekend, we are proud to unveil The Consensus Ontario Top-100—the definitive ranking of the province's top prospects eligible for the 2026 Priority Selection.

Building the Consensus Ontario Top-100

This Top-100 list goes beyond a single perspective. It is a holistic, data-driven aggregate built from the tireless work of the industry's leading independent scouting services.

By compiling and calculating a weighted average of the provincial rankings produced by Elite Prospects, HockeyProspect.com, Neutral Zone, PDA Evaluations, and PuckPreps, this master board mathematically cuts through the variance to reveal the independent scouting community consensus.

Leading the charge at the top of the board is Hill Academy centreman Tanner Adams, followed closely by Vaughan Kings standouts Kane Cloutier and Adrian Sgro. But with a deep and dynamic talent pool developing across the province and into the United States, the debate on who the Oshawa Generals will select first overall rages on.

By the Numbers: The Class of 2026

A look at how the Consensus Top-100 breaks down across the province:

Prospects by Position

Forwards: 63
Defencemen: 33
Goaltenders: 4

Prospects by Source

Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL): 42
Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA): 21
Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE): 14
Hockey Canada Accredited Schools: 13
Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO): 7
Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA): 1
(Includes two Ontario-based players currently developing in U.S. programs)

Be There Live in Kingston!

Don't miss your chance to be in the building when the next generation of OHL stars take the stage.

🎟️ Click here to secure your tickets for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection in Kingston!

The 2026 Consensus Ontario Top-100

(Editor's Note: Statistics below reflect the 2025-26 regular season. Goaltenders are designated with a dash in skater statistical categories).

Click on linked player names to watch OHL Priority Selection Prospect Profile

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
1	Tanner Adams	C	Hill Academy	52	34	54	88	1.69
2	Kane Cloutier	C	Vaughan Kings	33	32	26	58	1.76
3	Adrian Sgro	LD	Vaughan Kings	33	10	21	31	0.94
4	Arjun Nanubhai	C	Mississauga Senators	32	22	25	47	1.47
5	Logan Prud'Homme	C	Upper Canada College	69	44	52	96	1.39
6	Kash Kwajah	C	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	31	28	35	63	2.03
7	Drew Bate	C	London Jr. Knights	27	34	38	72	2.67
8	Colin Kennedy	C	Detroit Little Caesars	20	24	12	36	1.80
9	Max Fransen	LD	Upper Canada College	69	29	60	89	1.29
10	Landon Roulston	C	Vaughan Kings	33	18	20	38	1.15
11	Declan McNally	LD	Don Mills Flyers	29	3	15	18	0.62
12	Lauchlan Whelan	C	Quinte Red Devils	34	32	22	54	1.59
13	Jaden Licastro	LD	Toronto Marlboros	32	11	19	30	0.94
14	Kyler Lauder	C	Central Ontario Wolves	32	35	34	69	2.16
15	Braden Reilly	RW	Toronto Marlboros	30	18	15	33	1.10
16	Roman Vanacker	C	Brantford 99ers	30	30	40	70	2.33
17	Ryan Beaulieu	LD	London Jr. Knights	28	13	34	47	1.68
18	Evan Bannister	C	Credit River Capitals	33	38	26	64	1.94
19	Andrew Laurin	RW	Quinte Red Devils	34	26	25	51	1.50
20	Shayden Hintenberger	LD	Hill Academy	60	5	33	38	0.63
21	Brody Brown	RW	Vaughan Kings	33	7	28	35	1.06
22	Lucas Matheson	LD	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	18	22	40	1.18
23	Gavin Godick	RD	Don Mills Flyers	28	2	11	13	0.46
24	Shane Roche	LD	Toronto Marlboros	31	5	8	13	0.42
25	Jace Voortman	RW	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	21	12	9	21	1.00
26	Finley Butler	RW	London Jr. Knights	30	23	37	60	2.00
27	Finn Ellery	C	Central Ontario Wolves	31	20	25	45	1.45
28	Jakub Kuklinski	LW	Mississauga Senators	32	35	24	59	1.84
29	Matthew Zilinski	C	Mississauga Senators	25	14	21	35	1.40
30	Brayden Grima	C	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	30	21	23	44	1.47
31	Nixon McCaig	LD	Vaughan Kings	33	5	7	12	0.36
32	Brayden Jaravata	LD	Hill Academy	63	12	28	40	0.63
33	Evan Fitzgerald	C	Vaughan Kings	32	16	17	33	1.03
34	Finley Merrill	C	Hill Academy	59	48	41	89	1.51
35	Jack Samek	C	Markham Majors	23	12	11	23	1.00
36	Cole Guizzetti	C	Upper Canada College	68	42	51	93	1.37
37	Ronan Quinn	RW	Markham Majors	25	12	9	21	0.84
38	Quinn Roberts	C	London Jr. Knights	30	21	34	55	1.83
39	Henri Packalen	C	Peterborough Petes	32	13	30	43	1.34
40	Kosta Housseas	LD	Markham Majors	30	7	9	16	0.53
41	Emry Lowe	C	Brantford 99ers	30	29	27	56	1.87
42	Nathan Hewitt	C	Niagara North Stars	34	17	26	43	1.26
43	Kayden Kelly	LW	Markham Waxers	31	26	20	46	1.48
44	Brady Nash	LW	Don Mills Flyers	31	14	18	32	1.03
45	Colton Lapierre	LD	Toronto Red Wings	33	9	8	17	0.52
46	Rory Shaughnessy	LD	Hill Academy	61	2	29	31	0.51
47	John Montanino	LD	Detroit Little Caesars	15	5	10	15	1.00
48	Declan McCotter	RW	Huron-Perth Lakers	30	28	32	60	2.00
49	Jay Nimchonok	RD	Upper Canada College	66	9	25	34	0.52
50	Alexandre Saulnier	C	Ottawa Jr. 67's	17	5	19	24	1.41
51	Miles Reilly	C	Toronto Marlboros	32	15	19	34	1.06
52	Ethan Davidson	RD	Central Ontario Wolves	33	4	16	20	0.61
53	Drew Hulbert	LD	Don Mills Flyers	16	4	7	11	0.69
54	Ethan Bridges	LW	Huron-Perth Lakers	30	16	30	46	1.53
55	Sebastien Fortin	RD	Vaughan Kings	32	12	9	21	0.66
56	Xavier Carroll	C	Hill Academy	65	15	30	45	0.69
57	Cole Krottner	RW	Ottawa Valley Titans	31	18	32	50	1.61
58	Graham Littlejohn	LW	London Jr. Knights	28	20	31	51	1.82
59	Colten Sixsmith	LD	Burlington Eagles	34	14	18	32	0.94
60	Leo Hendriks	LD	Eastern Ontario Wild	32	7	12	19	0.59
61	Owen Loftus	G	Don Mills Flyers	-	-	-	-	-
62	Austin Ottenhof	RW	Quinte Red Devils	31	14	21	35	1.13
63	Cooper Ross	RD	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	32	1	17	18	0.56
64	Roman Shtefan	C	Windsor Jr Spitfires	30	29	24	53	1.77
65	John Kanyo	RD	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	7	18	25	0.74
66	Turner Stephenson	LD	Upper Canada College	64	3	15	18	0.28
67	Gavin Martin	RW	Brantford 99ers	29	17	14	31	1.07
68	Gabriel Barakat	C	Hill Academy	60	19	40	59	0.98
69	Lucas Cranney	LD	Markham Majors	30	1	8	9	0.30
70	Mason Quinn	C	Toronto Marlboros	28	15	10	25	0.89
71	Marko Mesich	G	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	-	-	-	-	-
72	Robbie Knight	RW	Mississauga Senators	31	10	19	29	0.94
73	Cole Coristine	C	Don Mills Flyers	27	18	7	25	0.93
74	Johnathan Tait	LD	Mississauga Senators	32	0	9	9	0.28
75	Ryder Nobes	C	Markham Majors	31	21	21	42	1.35
76	Trent Clow	C	Quinte Red Devils	34	9	12	21	0.62
77	Matthew Taylor	C	Ajax-Pickering Raiders	34	28	37	65	1.91
78	Brayden Barkic	LD	Don Mills Flyers	31	1	3	4	0.13
79	Jake Readings	C	London Jr. Knights	30	14	26	40	1.33
80	Jack Lee	C	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	26	24	50	1.47
81	Benjamin Legros	LW	Credit River Capitals	32	19	15	34	1.06
82	Joseph Fenwick	LW	Markham Majors	31	15	12	27	0.87
83	Innis Robinson	C	Ottawa Jr. 67's	32	16	15	31	0.97
84	Christian Del Buono	C	Upper Canada College	67	40	45	85	1.27
85	Michael Warner	C	Toronto Marlboros	25	11	8	19	0.76
86	Egor Sokolov	G	Toronto Marlboros	-	-	-	-	-
87	Colton Van Geffen	RD	Huron-Perth Lakers	28	4	6	10	0.36
88	Ayden Huisman	RD	Don Mills Flyers	27	2	11	13	0.48
89	Mitchell Nouwens	G	Toronto Red Wings	-	-	-	-	-
90	Brody Schulz	RW	Ottawa Myers Automotive	32	13	9	22	0.69
91	Kohen Chrastina	RD	Niagara North Stars	32	4	16	20	0.62
92	Owen Stevens	RD	Eastern Ontario Wild	30	1	11	12	0.40
93	Nathan Slack	RW	Don Mills Flyers	31	9	13	22	0.71
94	Cameron Jolicoeur	LW	London Jr. Knights	30	12	29	41	1.37
95	Tayden Smith	RD	Sudbury Wolves	34	8	21	29	0.85
96	Jacob Tysick	C	Ottawa Valley Titans	31	18	26	44	1.42
97	Landon Bellchamber	RW	Credit River Capitals	35	17	34	51	1.46
98	Michael Pacek	C	Toronto Marlboros	23	5	9	14	0.61
99	Gavin Henry	RD	Credit River Capitals	34	9	30	39	1.15
100	Jax Martin	LW	Quinte Red Devils	33	11	12	23	0.70

OHL Officials Ingalls and Pye Selected to Work 2026 Memorial Cup Presented by Kubota by the Ontario Hockey League

chlwebproduct — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:41:56 +0000

Toronto, Ont. - The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate referee Chad Ingalls and linesperson Luke Pye on being selected to officiate at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C.

Ingalls and Pye are among the officials chosen to work the Canadian Hockey League’s championship event, which runs from May 22-31 and features the champions of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, along with the host Kelowna Rockets.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for both Chad and Luke and a reflection of the work they have put in over the past several seasons,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “The Memorial Cup is one of the biggest stages in junior hockey, and earning an assignment there speaks to the confidence they have built through consistency, preparation, and strong performances throughout the season and playoffs. We are extremely proud to see both of them representing the Ontario Hockey League.”

Ingalls has completed his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League and will be working his first Memorial Cup. His recent officiating resume includes assignments at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he earned a gold medal assignment, the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. He has also officiated the past two J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, the 2023-24 CHL/NHL Officiating Program, and the 2026 U SPORTS University Cup.

Pye also completed his fourth OHL season and will make his Memorial Cup debut after a strong year that included working the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His growing list of major assignments also includes the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and the 2026 OHL Championship Series. Pye has additionally worked back-to-back American Hockey League Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025 and is part of Hockey Canada’s National High Performance Program at Level 6 certification.

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota begins Friday in Kelowna, with every game airing nationally in Canada on TSN and RDS. Streaming coverage will also be available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app, while viewers in the United States can watch on Victory+ and NHL Network.

The Ontario Hockey League continues to serve as a key development path for officials advancing to the highest levels of hockey both nationally and internationally.

Annual CHL fan breakfast raises more than $12,100 for Royal Canadian Legion in Kelowna by the Canadian Hockey League

chlwebproduct — Sun, 24 May 2026 21:55:02 +0000

Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor The CHL fan breakfast has become synonymous with the Memorial Cup and in Kelowna, it reached new heights. This year's annual event raised $12,140, all of which will be donated to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26. "We are thrilled with today's turnout and the generosity of the fans from across the CHL," said Amber Shutsa, one of the event's many organizers. "Without the fans and their donations this event wouldn't be possible. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of such a fantastic group of Junior Hockey Fans that managed to raise $12,140 in less than four hours." The event included a full breakfast spread, a silent auction, a raffle for which more than 100 prizes were available and the chance to catch-up with friends from coast-to-coast. "To me, it is one of the best things we do when we go to any of the Memorial Cup's," said Calgary, AB., native Addy Wyonch who has attended more than 10 Memorial Cup's. "It raises money for the community and it's an amazing event. "This is my Memorial Cup family." The breakfast originated in 2006 when the Moncton Wildcats’ Booster Club hosted the first breakfast as a way for fans from across the CHL to get to know one another. Since then, the breakfast has been held 18 times. After the 2008 event, fans decided they wanted to give back to the community hosting the Memorial Cup. Over the past six breakfasts’ alone, more than $45,000 has been donated back to local organizations in Halifax, Saint John, Kamloops, Saginaw, Rimouski and Kelowna. For Suzanne Flewelling, who is the President of Guelph Storm trackers fan club, this year's tournament is her sixth time at a Memorial Cup. But today was the first time she attended the CHL fan breakfast. "It is absolutely fantastic and a great experience," said the Guelph, ON,. native. "It's so wonderful to see all the different teams ... and meet so many people." And after her first taste of the event, she now can't wait for the 2027 tournament in her hometown. "It is going to be so fantastic."

Kelowna Rockets to wear commemorative jerseys at the 2026 Memorial Cup honouring The Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary

chlwebproduct — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:02:58 +0000

Fans can bid on the Rockets’ game-worn commemorative jerseys at CHL.ca/auctions, continuing a Memorial Cup tradition that has raised more than $320,000 in support of The Royal Canadian Legion since 2008

As part of a longstanding Memorial Cup tradition, the host Kelowna Rockets will wear a special commemorative jersey on Friday (May 22) during the opening game of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, when they face the OHL champion Kitchener Rangers at 6 p.m. PT at Prospera Place. This year’s jersey honours The Royal Canadian Legion in its 100th anniversary year, continuing a tradition that has seen the Memorial Cup host team wear a commemorative sweater during the opening game of the tournament each year since 2008 as a way to recognize service, sacrifice, and remembrance. The design of the Rockets’ commemorative jersey draws inspiration from the Royal Canadian Mint’s proof silver dollar honouring the Legion’s centennial, created in partnership with The Royal Canadian Legion. Incorporating visual themes tied to remembrance, legacy, and service, the jersey features a central crest inspired by the commemorative coin artwork, creating a distinctive focal point that reflects both the Legion’s proud history and the importance of honouring Canada’s Veterans. “As The Royal Canadian Legion marks its 100th anniversary, we are deeply honoured to be recognized through this year’s Memorial Cup tribute,” said Berkley Lawrence, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. “This jersey is a powerful symbol of remembrance, service, and the enduring legacy of Canada’s Veterans. We are grateful to the Canadian Hockey League for continuing this meaningful tradition, and for helping ensure that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.” While the jersey pays tribute to The Royal Canadian Legion’s national legacy, it was also designed to remain deeply connected to the host community. Its black, red, and teal colour palette pays tribute to the Kelowna Rockets, drawing from both the Club’s current identity and its 30th anniversary jersey. The result is a commemorative design that feels unique to the Memorial Cup while remaining unmistakably tied to Kelowna and its host team. Additional detailing, including the words “Honouring Kelowna Veterans” stitched along the neckline, further reinforces the local tribute at the heart of the concept — a recognition of those who served from the Kelowna community. “The Royal Canadian Mint maintains a long and proud tradition of honouring Canada’s veterans through coins,” said Tom Froggatt, Chief Commercial Officer of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are very touched that, on the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion, elements of our annual proof silver dollar honouring this milestone have found pride of place on a special Memorial Cup jersey symbolizing remembrance, service, and legacy.”

All game-worn commemorative jerseys worn by the Rockets during Friday’s opening game will be auctioned at CHL.ca/auctions, with proceeds supporting the Legion’s Poppy Fund, which directly assists Veterans and their families. The auction opens Friday, May 22 at 8 a.m. PT and closes Monday, June 1 at 8 a.m. PT.

In addition, the Player of the Game in each 2026 Memorial Cup game will receive a Royal Canadian Mint Fine Silver Proof Set recognizing the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion. The seven-piece collection includes an exclusive enhanced version of the 2026 Fine Silver Proof Dollar, whose design helped inspire elements of the Rockets’ commemorative jersey. The commemorative jersey program began at the 2008 Memorial Cup in Kitchener, Ont., when the host Kitchener Rangers became the first team to wear special opening-game jerseys in support of The Royal Canadian Legion. Since then, the Canadian Hockey League and its Member Leagues have raised more than $320,000 in support of The Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund, underscoring the CHL’s ongoing commitment to honouring those who have served our country. Every year, these commemorative jerseys also tell an important story. Last year, at the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Que., the host Rimouski Océanic wore a special jersey celebrating bilingual unity and the club’s naval legacy. In 2024, at the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Mich., the Spirit wore a one-of-a-kind jersey that paid tribute to Veterans and the allyship between the United States and Canada. The 2025-26 season marks the 106th time the Memorial Cup is presented. Since being awarded for the first time in 1919, the Memorial Cup has developed a rich tradition that has helped shape junior hockey in North America, becoming one of the most coveted trophies in the sport. Originally known as the OHA Memorial Cup and donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March 1919, the trophy was created in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First World War. It was later rededicated in 2010 to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel. The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota marks the return of the CHL’s championship event to Kelowna for the first time since 2004, when the Rockets captured the Memorial Cup on home ice. In addition to the host Kelowna Rockets, the 106th edition of the Memorial Cup, scheduled from May 21-31, will feature the Western Hockey League champion Everett Silvertips, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) champion Kitchener Rangers, and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League champion (QMJHL) Chicoutimi Saguenéens.