Well-rested hosts ready to take on Rangers as Memorial Cup opens
Posted May 22, 2026 02:34:14 AM.
Last Updated May 22, 2026 10:00:58 AM.
Fans of the Kitchener Rangers have been waiting for this day since May 25, 2008: the day the Rangers fell 4-1 to Spokane in the Memorial Cup final, played on home ice at the Memorial Auditorium.
On Friday, almost exactly 18 years later, the Rangers are playing their first Memorial Cup game since. And they’re not just facing a hostile crowd; they’re facing a rested team.
The Memorial Cup host, the Kelowna Rockets, have not played since April 17, when they lost to eventual WHL champion Everett in the second round of the playoffs. That was 36 days ago, and Rockets play-by-play voice Regan Bartel said he thinks it’s one of several advantages the hosts have as the tournament opens May 22.
“I think the Kelowna Rockets will be more rested, obviously, than any team that they face at the Memorial Cup, and I think the Rockets will be the most well-conditioned team at the tournament,” he explained. “So, two advantages there, maybe three with the home ice advantage. You never know what can happen with a one-off (where a team doesn’t have to play a seven-game series to advance).”
The Rockets are making their sixth appearance in the Memorial Cup tournament and looking for their first championship since 2004, the last time Kelowna was the host city. For the Rangers, this marks their seventh Memorial Cup appearance, the most of any team in the tournament.
As for the city of Kelowna, renowned for its natural beauty, moderate climate, and multiple vineyards, Bartel says the buzz around the Memorial Cup has been building for weeks.
“When you walk around the downtown core these days, there’s definitely a buzz, and you really know full well the Memorial Cup is here,” Bartel points out. “All the banners, a lot of signage, and, when you break it down, there’s a massive economic impact to this area.”
After going through a media day full of interviews, headshots, a coaches’ conference, and the Arrival of the Cups parade yesterday, the Rangers will have a pregame skate on Friday in preparation for the opening game. The Rangers were also able to practice on the ice at Prospera Place in Kelowna on Thursday, but Friday will mark their first game in 10 days, since winning the OHL Final in a sweep over the Barrie Colts.
Stay with 570 NewsRadio for all the Memorial Cup stories and all of the Rangers Memorial Cup games. Coverage begins with the pregame at 8:30 p.m. ET
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