Memorial Cup '28: Who Will it Be?

As Guelph, Ontario prepares to host the 2027 edition of the CHL’s championship event, teams in the QMJHL are preparing their bids for the 2028 version. As the most recent Memorial Cup was wrapping up in Kelowna, news outlets across Quebec and the Maritimes released the names of four teams who were in the running. Earlier this week the CHL narrowed the list to two finalists. Let's look at the teams and, more importantly, cities who will be stating their case to host the event in 2028. 

As a primer for those who may be new to Junior Hockey, or specifically the CHL: The Memorial Cup is the holy grail of the Canadian Hockey League. The CHL, which develops almost 50% of all NHLers, is split into three geographic leagues who almost never play one another during the regular season. Each has its own playoff and crowns its own champion. The three league champions then go at it in the Memorial Cup Tournament. Three is an odd number for a tournament, so each year one lucky city gets to host the tournament, and its team gets an automatic bid as the 4th team. The tournament rotates among the three leagues, and 2028 will be The QMHL’s turn. 

With that said, four QMJHL teams and their respective cities threw their hats in the ring to host the event. Gatineau, Quebec, Moncton (NB) and Saint Johns (NL) all made their intentions known. Based on the initial applications, the CHL announced on Monday that it would be between Quebec and Moncton; two teams with Memorial Cup history, large fan bases and new arenas that are more than large enough to host the four participating teams. 

Quebec seems to be a natural fit for any hockey event. The Videotron Center boasts 18,800 seats, and includes amenities designed to meet NHL Requirements. Opened in 2015, the area is still modern by all standards. 

As a tourism-heavy town, Quebec has an international airport, bus transit system and an ample supply of hotels, restaurants and attractions for visiting teams, fans and families. Statistics Canada lists the metropolitan region at 844,000 people, providing a near guarantee of sellout crowds and merchandise sales. In the modern era, Quebec has hosted the tournament three times (‘91, ‘03 and ‘15).

Moncton can also anchor its bid with a new hockey ready facility. The Avenir Center seats a healthy 8,800 spectators and was designed to meet QMJHL Standards. Slightly newer than Quebec’s facility, the Avenir Center opened in 2018. 

Moncton also claims an international airport and bus transit system. Known as the hub city for the Maritimes, its university and tourism sectors ensure ample lodging, dining and attractions for those arriving for the tournament. While significantly smaller than Quebec, its 161,000 metropolitan population (Statistics Canada) is more than enough to support the event. In the modern era, Moncton has hosted the tournament once (2006).

Of course, it’s about far more than population, as evidenced by mid-size Rimouski and small market Shawinigan hosting in recent years. The CHL’s four main factors, as outlined in the Soleil, are the host team’s business operations, community engagement and atmosphere, event logistics and hockey operations. Localities will be on display, rolling out the red carpet, in the same manner as current Word Cup host sites. 

It’s down to two. With an answer coming in November the winning team will begin an aggressive trading period to get its roster worthy of the event. That, and getting its entire city ready to host the CHL’s biggest event.