KELOWNA ROCKETS TO HOST 2004 MEM CUP

Vancouver, British Columbia — The Western Hockey League has announced that the Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club has been anmed the host for the 2004 Memorial Cup. The 2004 MasterCard Memorial Cup will mark the 86th edition of this prestigious National Championship.r 
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The decision of the site was made by the WHL Board of Governors, repesenting the twenty member clubs, as a majority vote was arrived at following presentations by each of the four WHL clubs (Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver and Lethbridge) bidding to host the event.r 
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“”We are very pleased that Kelowna has been selected,”” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “”GIven the quality of the Kelowna Rockets organization and the high level of community support for the event, we are confident that Kelowna will do an outstanding job in staging our national showcase for major junior hockey.””r 
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“”On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League I would like to congratulate the Kelowna Rockets and the City of Kelowna on being awarded the Memorial Cup,”” CHL President David Branch said Tuesday night in Vancouver, site of game two of this year’s Hershey Cup All Star Series. “”Over the years the Memorial Cup Tournament continues to gow as both the CHL championship and as a major event for the community that plays host to it. We look forward to an exciting ten days in Kelowna in May of 2004.””r 
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The 2004 MasterCard Memorial Cup is scheduled for May 15th to 23rd at Skyreach Place in Kelowna. The arena, which opened in 1999 seats 6,007 spectators.r 
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The 2003 Memorial Cup will be hosted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Quebec Remparts from May 17th to 25th, 2003 in Quebec City. The Tournament features a four team tournament with the host club competing with the champions from the QMJHL, the Ontario Hockey League and the WHL.r 
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The WHL has won twelve of the past 20 Memorial Cup championships including back to back titles – Red Deer in 2001 and last year’s champions, the Kootenay Ice.r 
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The Brandon Wheat Kings have participated in three Memorial Cup Tournaments – in 1979 (Montreal), 1995 (Kamloops) and 1996 (Peterborough, Ontario). As well, the Wheat Kings faced Dickie Moore and the Montreal Royals in a best of seven national final in 1949.