Volunteers sought as Kelowna prepares to host 2026 Memorial Cup

Kelowna is seeking hundreds of volunteers as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Memorial Cup, one of the premier events in Canadian junior hockey.

The Canadian Hockey League, the Kelowna Rockets, and the local host organizing committee said approximately 450 to 500 volunteers will be needed to support the tournament, which runs May 21 to 31, 2026.

The Memorial Cup will return to Kelowna for the first time since 2004, marking the 106th time the trophy has been awarded. The tournament will also coincide with milestone anniversaries, including the Rockets’ 30th season and the CHL 50th anniversary as the governing body of major junior hockey in Canada.

Organizers say volunteers play a critical role in delivering the event, supporting areas such as game operations, fan festivals, transportation and community programming.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with some roles requiring additional screening depending on responsibilities.

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