Memorial Cup excitement growing in Guelph

Guelph is getting ready to host the 2027 junior hockey championship. CTV’s Colton Wiens explains what that means for players and the community.

With the Guelph Storm set to host the 2027 Memorial Cup, excitement is quickly growing in the Royal City.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) held an official announcement in Guelph on Friday, giving insight into why Guelph was selected.

“It is an unbelievable opportunity,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Coinciding with our bicentennial of 200-year birthday is going to be amazing. I already know our staff and others in the community are already reaching out. They’re like, ‘how can we help?’”

Guelph beat out the Kitchener Rangers to host the tournament.

CHL President Dan MacKenzie said he excused himself from the selection process this year because he lives in Guelph. But he told the announcement’s attendees that the selection team who made the final decision was impressed with how Guelph put forward an all-encompassing story of plans to bring the event to life.

“Really leveraging the 200th anniversary of the city, I think they approached the actual site selection tour uniquely.” Mackenzie said. “They moved the selection committee, I believe, around the city and took them to various places where activities would be occurring to show them what would happen where.”

Although the tournament is still a season away, Storm officials said it’s an opportunity all players dream of.

“You always dream of it, and then to have the opportunity of it being a chance, we were always very anxious,” Carter Stevens, a forward for the Storm said. “When we saw yesterday that we got it, it was just full of joy and we’re also excited.”

“It’s really exciting, and we weren’t too sure who was going to get it. But yeah, finding out yesterday was really great, and we’re just excited to keep it going,” added Guelph defenceman Noah Jenken.

Jenken was at the 2024 Memorial Cup tournament with the London Knights. Though he didn’t play, he said he’s somewhat familiar with the process.

“I wasn’t totally a big part of the team, but you know, just being around the environment and seeing what it takes to win,” Jenken said.

While he knows he will play in the 2027 Memorial Cup tournament, Jenken said its not slowing down the team’s efforts to win this year.

“We’re on a good stretch here. Won eight of the last ten. So, we’re just going to keep it going,” he explained. “Obviously you want to have a good team this year, and just lead that into next year.”

“You just want to be that top team and top players for next year. So yeah, [it’s] just motivation,” Stevens added.

“I just can’t wait and play in front of these amazing fans. It’s awesome.”

Around the city, excitement is also growing amongst businesses that expect a lot of fanfare.

“It’s like winning the Stanley Cup. It’s amazing. I’m so happy for the City of Guelph, and I’m happy for downtown. We need a boost,” said Dino Scrementi, the owner of Dino’s Athletic Direct. The store has been selling sports apparel in Guelph’s downtown core for over 20 years.

“It’s such an honor and it’s going to bring great business to McCabe’s. We’re so excited to see everyone,” said Guelph’s McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill manager, Chloe Subonovich.

Scrementi said he remembers when the Memorial Cup tournament was hosted in Guelph back in 2002 and how exciting it was.

“I think it’s going to even be better this time because we already had a kick [at the] can of doing it, and now we’re going to do it again, and even do a better job,” Scrementi said.