In a media release today, the Brandon Wheat Kings Hockey Club said it has “officially submitted its intent to bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup, with plans to host the prestigious event in May 2026 at Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre.”
“The Memorial Cup, the coveted trophy awarded annually to the champion of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), was most recently held in Saginaw. The Wheat Kings aim to bring this historic event to our passionate hockey community and showcase our city’s rich hockey heritage.
Last hosted in Brandon in 2010, Brandon and the Keystone Centre proved to be the perfect venue for such a popular event with multiple indoor and outdoor areas that were used.
Since then, the Keystone Centre has hosted numerous other world class events and has made several meaningful improvements to both the main arena and surrounding land.
On the ice, The Wheat Kings have a strong core with a deep prospect field and are poised to be a competitive team.
All this leads the organization to believe this is the perfect time for Brandon to once again welcome the CHL and the Memorial Cup to the city that sits on the hundredth meridian. Bring the country to its core where Brandon is ready to host and compete for the greatest trophy in Junior Hockey.
Quote from Dan Near, Commissioner of the Western Hockey League:
“The WHL is pleased the Brandon Wheat Kings will submit a bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. Having successfully hosted the Memorial Cup in 2010, there is no doubt the community of Brandon will embrace the opportunity to welcome the most prestigious and significant junior hockey tournament once again. The commitment from Jared Jacobson, Jason Roblin, and the Keystone Centre is to be commended, and we look forward to learning more about their bid plans.”
Quote from Jared Jacobson, Owner and Governor of the Brandon Wheat Kings:
“We are thrilled to announce our intent to bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup. Hosting this event would be a tremendous honor for our organization, our city and our province. Brandon, and Manitoba, have a storied history in hockey, and we are excited about the opportunity to showcase our community and province to the entire hockey world.”
Quote from Connie Lawrence, CEO of the Keystone Centre:
“The Keystone Centre is elated to support the Brandon Wheat Kings’ bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. We’re making substantial improvements to Westoba Place, which will include the new seating and air conditioning to make the fan experience even better. We know our facility’s ability to host world class events such as this and we know that, together with the organizing committee, we will provide an unforgettable experience for all participants and fans.”
Quote from Jason Roblin, Chair of the Brandon Wheat Kings 2026 Bid Committee:
“Our committee has been working diligently to prepare a comprehensive and compelling bid. We believe that Brandon offers a unique and vibrant hockey environment that will make the 2026 Memorial Cup a memorable event for everyone involved. We are excited to share our vision with the CHL and the broader hockey community.”
Quote from Marty Murray, Head Coach and General Manager of the Wheat Kings:
“We are very excited with the cycle we are entering as an organization. The timing of the Memorial Cup bid makes sense for us with a strong group of core players that will be established WHL veterans, as well as a deep and talented prospect pool. We feel strongly that we will be WHL contenders and would represent the WHL very well hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup.”
Quote from Hon. Wab Kinew, MLA Fort Rouge and Premiere of Manitoba:
“I love hockey, and it will be absolutely amazing if the Brandon Wheat Kings get to host junior hockey’s biggest stage. Our government is pleased to support Brandon’s bid to host the Memorial Cup, bringing people from across the country here to enjoy all the city and our province have to offer.”
Quote from Hon. Glen Simard, M.L.A. Brandon East and Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage & Tourism:
“These are exciting times for Manitoba, and Brandon is the perfect place to highlight the great things happening in our province. I know that Westman and the Wheat Kings are well poised to host another successful Memorial Cup that will show off the incredible hospitality in Brandon. I’m thrilled that our government is able to support the Wheat Kings in their bid to bring the Cup home.”
Quote from Brandon Mayor, Jeff Fawcett:
“With unwavering pride and excitement, the City stands firmly behind the intent to bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup! As the home of the Brandon Wheat Kings—Manitoba’s WHL team—Brandon eagerly embraces the opportunity to host the Memorial Cup once again. The Wheat Kings serve as a unifying force, bringing together our diverse community under the banner of sport. The City looks forward to working with the community to help make this vision a reality.”
The formal bid will be submitted later this year, and we are committed to showcasing why Brandon is the perfect choice for the 2026 Memorial Cup. We look forward to working closely with the CHL and all stakeholders involved in the bidding process.”
