Canes lose Memorial Cup bid
By Lethbridge Herald on November 27, 2024.
Herald file photo by Al Beeber Brian Wichers, chair of the Lethbridge Hurricanes Memorial Cup bid committee, met with reporters in September at the VisitLethbridge.com arena about the community-owned teamÕs effort to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. Wichers was disappointed with WednesdayÕs announcement and felt Lethbridge had a solid bid.By Justin Seward
Lethbridge Herald
The Canadian Hockey League announced on Wednesday that the Kelowna Rockets were selected to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.
Wednesday’s announcement meant the Rockets’ bid was successful over those of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, Brandon Wheat Kings and Spokane Chiefs.
“(I am) disappointed in the outcome today (on Wednesday),” said Brian Wichers, chair of the Lethbridge Hurricanes Memorial Cup bid committee.
“I think we definitely had a solid bid and we had a great presentation. I think we checked all the boxes. I told them I think we check all the boxes better than everybody else. I think Lethbridge’s the ideal place to hold this event with our facility and how great our region is with all the attractions.”
Wichers knew what competition they were up against.
“I’d like to congratulate Kelowna on hosting the Memorial Cup,” said Wichers.
“I’m sure they’ll do a great job, it’s a great city and lots of things to see and do.”
Wichers anticipates there will be a debriefing meeting and a discussion with the CHL about Lethbridge’s bid and where they fell short.
Wichers saw Susan Eymann of the Lethbridge Sport Council as a big asset with her events experience and the City of Lethbridge representatives were a help with the city aspect of things with building and funding in the process.
“I think this time the bid was better because we definitely partnered with all these people and everybody bought in,” said Wichers.
“It was such an enjoyable process to have all these people on board and I feel bad because everybody put lots of work in.”
Wichers felt the city has proven they can host events of this type.
“We’ve proven that we have the volunteer base and the backing of our community and our fans,” said Wichers.
A challenge that Wichers saw with Lethbridge’s bid was the transportation.
“The flights go to Calgary and there’s limited air service to Lethbridge,” said Wichers.
“But we had worked with West Jet and other carriers to add flights to Lethbridge to make it more convenient. So we knew that the transportation piece was going to be a little difficult that way.”
Wichers thanked the City of Lethbridge and the province for their support.
“They came in a big way to help support this bid and help support it financially,” said Wichers.
Lethbridge has never hosted the Memorial Cup.
22-21
The team almost folded 10 years ago when Wichers was on the Board. The League and it’s Governors never forgot that.
There was a major effort by some to sell this team to a private entity, which failed at a special general meeting. The shareholders turned out in spades and kept the club community owned. The club at that time had a governance committee that changed the spending and decision making of the club. The club is still here and in the majority of years thrives due to top financial management. The club being community based is only required legally to break even each year and in most they do. If only this was at the LDE.