Guelph Storm looking to make a bid for 2027 Memorial Cup

Summer might just be hitting its stride, but Guelph city council’s committee of the whole will be talking hockey next week.

A staff report will be debated on July 8, recommending the city financially contribute to hosting the Canadian Hockey League‘s championship showcase in 2027.

Specifically, the team is asking for a one-time $600,000 grant and a $100,000 in-kind contribution.

Matt Newby, Vice President of Business Operations with the Guelph Storm, told 570 NewsRadio a successful bid would benefit the whole community.

“We see it as really being a partnership. We’ve invited the city, and at some point, we’ll invite local businesses to join us in delivering an event that really showcases elite junior hockey but also serves as a centrepiece of a historic bicentennial celebration and welcomes, we hope, will be tens of thousands of visitors to celebrate with us.”

Two years from now also just so happens to be Guelph’s bicentennial.

Newby said the number 200 holds particular significance.

“It’s more than 200 years. It’s around 200 steps from my office to a plaque that recognizes where the city was founded, were the first tree was cut down.”

Newby also pointed out that it’s about 200 steps from the Sleeman Centre to the regional/provincial transit hub that connects to both GO Transit and VIA Rail. It’s around 200 steps to the shops and patios along Macdonell St., and it’s roughly 200 steps from the Sleeman Centre to the River Run Centre performing arts theater.

All things Newby hopes will help put Guelph’s bid above the others.

When it comes to financing the tournament, Newby said the Storm would be footing the lion’s share of the bill.

“The team is probably still around 80 per cent or more, in terms of funding. From the revenue, it’s a zero-profit venture for the team, which I think is an important thing for people to know,” he said. “If there are any net proceeds, they are all being invested back into the capital reserve to improve the Sleeman Centre and what we hope would reduce its long-term reliance on city funding.”

Guelph isn’t the only team making a bid, the Niagara Ice Dogs announced its intention to bid back in November.

Rumours have been swirling that the Kitchener Rangers might also be interested in the tournament.

When asked to confirm the rumours, Rangers communications coordinator, Luca Lombardi said in an email to 570 NewsRadio:

“At this time, we can’t confirm that we will be submitting a bid. If anything changes it would be announced closer to the August 15^th deadline to submit an official bid.”

Kitchener last hosted the Memorial Cup in 2008 and Guelph in 2002.