A sea of spectators flooded downtown Kelowna on May 21 to catch a glimpse of the Memorial Cup trophy arriving in the city. The Westbank First Nation Canoe Brigade paddled the trophy across Okanagan Lake and into Kelowna’s City Park, where it was handed off to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Once the cup was back on land, Westbank First Nation Chief Louie made his way to the entrance of City Park to lead a parade and officially start Memorial Cup festivities. Starting at
4:30 p.m., Mayor Tom Dyas, local politicians, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Kelowna branch, the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and cadets paraded from City Park up Bernard Avenue and across Water Street for an opening ceremony at Stuart Park. The ceremony welcomed the four competing teams: the Kitchener Rangers, the Everett Silvertips, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and the Kelowna Rockets. “The Memorial Cup is more than just a championship,” said Chief Louie to the crowd, “It’s a national tradition that showcases dedication, teamwork, and
the pride of communities from coast to coast. We are proud of the athletes and proud of the teams.” In honour of the Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary, a special jersey was presented to Rockets captain Carson Wetsch. The Kelowna team will wear the commemorative jersey during game one on May 22, and then it will be auctioned off to fans in support of the Legion’s Poppy Fund. After the ceremony, hockey fans had a chance to take a closer look at the Memorial Cup and
enjoy some family-friendly activities such as shooting challenges, a photo booth, and spinning for a chance to win tickets to the 2027 Memorial Cup. Game one of the tournament will see the Kelowna Rockets take to the ice against the Kitchener Rangers on May 22.
Memorial Cup, Kelowna Rockets, Westbank First Nation, Louie, Okanagan Lake, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Legion, RCMP, Bernard Avenue, Water Street, Stuart Park, Carson Wetsch, Poppy Fund
So is the trophy like in the arena already or just for pics downtown? Seems pointless if they’re just starting stuff tomorrow.
I love that they had the paddle thing on the lake, that’s actually cool. Also the jersey for the poppy fund?? My aunt would be obsessed. Hope they really auction it off and not just “display” it.
Wait Chief Louie is leading a parade but it says Westbank First Nation Canoe Brigade paddled the trophy across the lake?? So was Louie in the canoe or like… just showed up at the end lol. Also why is the RCMP there, I thought this was hockey not security.
Honestly I only saw “Memorial Cup trophy” and assumed it was like a memorial thing for soldiers, but they’re doing a whole festival and jersey and spins? Don’t get me wrong I’m glad people show up, just feels like it’s not the same as Memorial Day. Anyway Go Rockets I guess.