Memorial Cup field taking shape as Kelowna unveils veterans tribute project

KELOWNA, B.C. — The field for the 2026 Memorial Cup is beginning to come into focus as championship races continue across the Canadian Hockey League ahead of next week’s tournament in Kelowna.

The Kitchener Rangers became the first league champion to officially secure a berth earlier this week after completing a four-game sweep of the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League final. Kitchener captured its fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup with a 4-2 victory in Game 4 on Tuesday.

The Western Hockey League championship series could also move closer to completion Friday night, with the Everett Silvertips carrying a 3-1 series advantage into Game 5 against the Prince Albert Raiders at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask.

Meanwhile, the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League final remains deadlocked heading into a pivotal Game 5 between the Moncton Wildcats and Chicoutimi Saguenéens on Friday night in Moncton. The Wildcats extended the series by rallying from a two-goal deficit to win Game 4 earlier this week.

The tournament host Kelowna Rockets will round out the four-team field when the Memorial Cup opens May 22.

As anticipation builds around the championship event, organizers also announced Friday a new community legacy initiative tied directly to the historic roots of the Memorial Cup.

A “Hero Forest” will be established at Sunset Park in Kelowna to honour Canadian veterans while supporting urban reforestation efforts in the city. The initiative is being launched through a partnership involving the Canadian Hockey League, the City of Kelowna, Trees For Life and Kubota Canada.

The Memorial Cup was originally introduced in 1919 in memory of Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War before later being rededicated to all fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Approximately 130 native trees are expected to be planted as part of the project, including aspens, birches, willows and cottonwoods. Organizers say the work is intended to improve biodiversity, restore shoreline habitat and strengthen the urban tree canopy surrounding Okanagan Lake.

Community members will also have the opportunity to sponsor trees in honour of veterans, both living and deceased.

A ceremonial event connected to the Hero Forest initiative is scheduled for May 31 ahead of the Memorial Cup championship game.