Kamloops Blazers to host 2023 Memorial Cup

It was only fitting to have Kamloops Blazers alumni and NHL Hall of Famers Scott Niedermayer and Jarome Iginla in attendance Friday when Canadian Hockey League (CHL) President Dan MacKenzie and Blazers majority owner Tom Gaglardi announced that the city of Kamloops would be the hosts of the 2023 Memorial Cup. The tournament will run from May 26 to June 4, 2023 at the Sandman Centre. The announcement comes after months of speculation among Kamloops media.

“We are very excited to bring back the Memorial Cup to Kamloops after an almost 30-year hiatus,” MacKenzie said in a statement. “The Blazers and the City of Kamloops put together a first-class bid and will be outstanding hosts.”

This marks the first time since 1995 that the city of Kamloops will host the tournament. The Blazers went undefeated that year to capture their third Memorial Cup title in four years. The Blazers will be joined by three other champions, one from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

This year’s tournament will be held from June 20-29 in Saint John, New Brunswick. It will be the first Memorial Cup in two years due to the pandemic.