CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the hosts for a pair of national championships set for next spring. Brandon, Manitoba, will welcome the 2027 TELUS Cup, while Fort McMurray, Alberta, will play host to the 2027 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.

“Hockey Canada is excited to return to Alberta and Manitoba, which both have a proven history of hosting successful events,” said D’Arcy Hutcheson, director of events with Hockey Canada. “We look forward to working with the local organizing committees, sponsors and volunteers who take great pride in showcasing hockey to their passionate fans while also ensuring world-class experiences for all teams.”

The Brandon (U18AAA) Wheat Kings will host the TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship, April 19-25 at the Keystone Centre, in partnership with Hockey Manitoba. The 2027 edition marks the fourth time Manitoba has hosted and marks the return of the tournament to Brandon for the first time since 1994.

"On behalf of Hockey Manitoba, we are thrilled that Brandon and the Keystone Centre team have been selected to host the 2027 TELUS Cup,” said Trevor Buhnai, chief executive officer of Hockey Manitoba. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Manitoba's passion for hockey, our exceptional volunteers and our ability to deliver a premier national championship. The TELUS Cup represents the pinnacle of U18 hockey in Canada and hosting it in Manitoba will inspire the next generation of players while highlighting the strength of our hockey community. We look forward to working alongside Hockey Canada, the Keystone Centre, the host organizing committee and our local hockey partners to create an unforgettable experience for the athletes, officials and fans while leaving a lasting legacy for hockey across our province."

The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, Canada’s National Junior A Championship, returns to Fort McMurray from May 6-16. The tournament was previously held in the city in 2000, when the host Oil Barons captured their lone national title on home ice. Overall, it will mark the seventh time Alberta has welcomed the best Junior A teams in the country.

“The Wood Buffalo Region possesses a unique passion and resilience that makes it an ideal stage for this prestigious event,” said Ryan Bartoshyk, commissioner of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. “By bringing the Centennial Cup to Fort McMurray, we are not only showcasing the incredible talent of our Junior A athletes and the AJHL, but also highlighting the strength, hospitality and vibrant spirit of this remarkable community. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Fort McMurray to create a memorable experience that will leave a lasting legacy for the region and for Canadian junior hockey.”

Schedules and ticket information for the 2027 TELUS Cup and 2027 Centennial Cup will be available at a later date. Fans can stay up to date by signing up to become a Hockey Canada Insider.

For more information on Hockey Canada, the Centennial Cup and the TELUS Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X,  Instagram and TikTok.

Additional quotes:

"The Keystone Centre is incredibly honoured to be selected as the host venue for the 2027 TELUS Cup. Hosting this prestigious national championship is more than welcoming Canada's top U18 hockey teams—it is an opportunity to showcase Brandon, the Westman region and the incredible volunteers, partners and community members who make our region so welcoming.”

“This championship is the result of strong partnerships, a shared vision and the dedication of countless volunteers who will help make this event a success. The Keystone Centre is proud to work alongside Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, the Brandon U18 AAA Wheat Kings, our sponsors and the many volunteers who will work together to deliver an exceptional championship.”

-Connie Lawrence, chief executive officer and general manager of the Keystone Centre

“We are honoured that Fort McMurray has been selected to host the 2027 Centennial Cup. This championship represents the very best of Junior A hockey in Canada, and our community is excited to welcome the country’s top teams, their families and fans. Fort McMurray has a proud hockey tradition and a proven track record of hosting exceptional events. Together with our volunteers, partners and supporters, we’re committed to delivering a first-class championship and an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits our community.”

-Andrew Boutilier, president, Northern Alberta Athletic Association

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario – The Chevaliers de Lévis have won their first TELUS Cup, beating the Halifax Macs 8-1 in the gold medal game Sunday night at Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship.

Jacob Boucher (St-Joseph-de-Beauce, QC) powered the offence for the Chevaliers, recording four assists on the day he was named Top Defender of the tournament.

Malyk Côté (St-Lambert-de-Lauzon, QC) scored twice and added an assist for Lévis, which got multi-point nights from seven different players.

“We had an incredible start tonight,” said Côté. “We knew we needed to be ready for puck drop and we just kept rolling. We watched a lot of video on [Halifax], came in with a plan and stuck with it. Our penalty kill was solid tonight; our goalie was there when we needed him and we got it done.”

Chevaliers goaltender Zachary Lainesse (Lévis, QC) backstopped his hometown team to the national title with a 25-save performance, giving up his only goal on a Halifax power play.

“So much hard work goes into this… it’s over, what a feeling,” added Chevaliers head coach Pier-Luc Giguère. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. Losing last year [in overtime to Regina in the gold medal game] was tough. I thought about that loss to Regina every day this year. Everything we’ve done and been through this year�� it’s hard to describe. We believed we could do this, every player in that room felt we could be national champions and now we are.”

Regina Pat Canadians defeat Okanagan Rockets to claim bronze

Earlier in the day, the Regina Pat Canadians scored twice in the opening five minutes and never looked back en route to a 6-2 over the Okanagan Rockets in the bronze medal game.

Maddox Schultz (Regina, SK) scored twice and added two assists to finish with the tournament lead in points with 17 (7-10--17). Malaki Martin (Regina, SK) and Liam Pue (Langley, BC) added a goal and an assist each, and Adam Muntain (Regina, SK) turned aside 33 shots to secure the third-place finish for the 2025 champions.

“Looking back at the team we had last year, and then to get back to this tournament again this year… it’s not something that happens, having this much success,” said Schultz. “It’s special, I can’t say enough things about the Pat Canadians, the management, the coaches and the rest of my teammates; I’m proud of all the guys in that room.”

Following the game, the TELUS Cup tournament award winners were announced:

• Most Valuable Player – Maddox Schultz (Regina, SK/Regina Pat Canadians)
• Top Forward – Brayden Jugnauth (Kelowna, BC/Okanagan Rockets)
• Top Defender – Jacob Boucher (St-Joseph-de-Beauce, QC/Chevaliers de Lévis)
• Top Goaltender – Camden Walser (Peterborough, ON/Peterborough Petes)
• Most Sportsmanlike Player – Jax Ginnish (Membertou, NS/Halifax Macs)
• TELUS Cup Scholarship – Chandler Bell (Stillwater Lake, NS/Halifax Macs)

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2026 TELUS Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

A season to remember for the Halifax Macs has led them to compete for Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship for a sixth time.

The Atlantic Region champions dominated on the East Coast this season, losing just twice in 34 games (once in regulation, once in overtime) during the regular season and outscoring opponents by 138 goals (202-64). That success continued into the playoffs, where the Macs swept the Sydney Rush and Cape Breton West Islanders before beating the Pictou Country Majors in five games to claim the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League (NSU18MHL) title.

At Regionals, Halifax dropped one game in the preliminary round to the Fredericton Caps, but got its revenge in the championship game, shutting out the Caps 2-0 to advance to the TELUS Cup.

Overall, the Macs take an impressive 47-3-1 record into Peterborough, which is the best record of the six teams playing for a national title.

Cape Breton Eagles prospect Evan Lyver has led the offence for Halifax this season. He recorded 53 points (23-30—53) in 34 regular-season games and tacked on 29 more (9-20—29) in 17 playoff games.

The Macs look to become the third Atlantic team in the last decade to win the TELUS Cup, joining Cape Breton West in 2017 and Moncton in 2022. Halifax’s best placement at the national championship came in its first appearance in 1980, when it finished fourth.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League
Quarterfinal: defeated Sydney Rush 3-0 (8-1, 12-0, 5-2)
Semifinal: defeated Cape Breton West Islanders 4-0 (5-2, 3-2, 5-1, 6-3)
Final: defeated Pictou County Majors 4-1 (5-2, 6-2, 2-3, 5-2, 5-3)

Atlantic Regional
Preliminary round: 3-1 – 2nd place (defeated Kensington Wild 6-3, defeated Saint John Vito’s 4-3, lost to Fredericton Caps 6-3, defeated St. John’s Growlers 6-5)
Championship game: defeated Fredericton Caps 2-0

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-L-OTL): 32-1-1 (1st in NSU18MHL)
Goals for: 202 (1st in NSU18MHL)
Goals against: 64 (1st in NSU18MHL)
Longest winning streak: 18 (Sept. 27-Dec. 10)

Top 3 scorers:
- Evan Lyver – 23G 30A 53P (2nd in NSU18MHL)
- Will Shearer – 13G 31A 44P (6th in NSU18MHL)
- Jax Ginnish – 19G 22A 41P (11th in NSU18MHL)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 15-2
Goals for: 88
Goals against: 40

Top 3 scorers:
- Evan Lyver – 9G 20A 29P
- Riley Creelman – 3G 17A 20P
- Sam Fleming – 10G 9A 19P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

1980 – Halifax McDonald’s | 4th place | 3-3 | 15GF 17GA
1983 – Halifax McDonald’s | 8th place | 2-4 | 13GF 37GA
1994 – Halifax McDonald’s | 5th place | 2-3 | 24GF 25GA
2011 – Halifax Titans | 5th place | 1-2-2 | 5GF 23GA
2014 – Halifax McDonald’s | 5th place | 1-3-1 | 10GF 19GA
2019 – Halifax McDonald’s | 5th place | 1-3-1 | 6GF 12GA

QMJHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Logan Trewin – Halifax Mooseheads (4th round, 71st overall)
Jax Ginnish – Cape Breton Eagles 2025 (6th round, 102nd overall)
Gavin Sudds – Halifax Mooseheads 2024 (6th round, 107th overall)
Will Shearer –Titan d’Acadie-Bathurst 2024 (6th round, 110th overall)
Evan Lyver – Cape Breton Eagles 2025 (8th round, 138th overall)
Ian Lovett –Cataractes de Shawinigan 2024 (9th round, 152nd overall)
Riley Creelman – Cape Breton Eagles 2024 (13th round, 219th overall)
Joseph Breen –Remparts de Québec 2024 (13th round, 220th overall)
Carter Sullivan – Olympiques de Gatineau 2024 (14th round, 241st overall)

You can never count out teams from the Ligue de hockey M18 AAA du Québec (LHM18AAAQ) at Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship, and the Chevaliers de Lévis are a great example of why.

The LHM18AAAQ has sent a team to the gold medal game at the TELUS Cup in 10 of the last 12 tournaments.

The Chevaliers were an overtime goal away from joining the Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François in 2023 and Cantonniers de Magog in 2024 to make it three-consecutive national champions from Quebec—which would have been a first for the province. Instead, Maddox Schultz was the overtime hero for the Regina Pat Canadians, and Lévis took home a silver medal.

It’s a difficult task to follow in the footsteps of last year’s edition of the Chevaliers, especially since they accomplished something no LHM18AAAQ team had ever done—avoid a regulation defeat during the regular season. This season, Lévis produced a 30-11-1 record, good for second in the league.

In the playoffs, the Chevaliers swept the Albatros du Collège Notre-Dame before falling behind early in series against the Phénix du Collège Esther-Blondin and the Rousseau Royal de Laval-Montréal, needing two five-game series to advance to the league final against the Blizzard. Led by Malyk Côté’s 33 playoff points (9-24—33) in 18 games, the Chevaliers quickly went up 3-0 against the Blizzard and solidified their return to the TELUS Cup with a 5-3 win in Game 5.

Lévis knows what it takes to make it to the gold medal game at the national championship. This year, it’s all about redemption to turn that silver medal into gold.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

Ligue de hockey M18 AAA du Québec
Division semifinal: defeated Albatros du Collège Notre-Dame 3-0 (7-4, 8-4, 3-2)
Quarterfinal: defeated Phénix du Collège Esther-Blondin 3-2 (3-5, 5-4, 4-5, 7-4, 4-2)
Semifinal: defeated Rousseau Royal de Laval-Montréal 3-2 (1-2, 4-5, 5-0, 3-2, 3-2)
Final: defeated Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François 4-1 (3-2, 6-3, 5-4, 3-4, 5-3)

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-L-OTL): 30-11-1 (2nd in LHM18AAAQ)
Goals for: 163 (4th in LHM18AAAQ)
Goals against: 118 (2nd in LHM18AAAQ)
Longest winning streak: 6 (Sept. 7-24)

Top 3 scorers:
- Jonathan St-Hilaire – 13G 36A 49P (14th in LHM18AAAQ)
- Malyk Côté– 20G 20A 40P (29th in LHM18AAAQ)
- Jacob Boucher – 13G 26A 39P (35th in LHM18AAAQ)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 12-6
Goals for: 79
Goals against: 57

Top 3 scorers:
- Malyk Côté – 9G 24A 33P
- Jacob Boucher – 8G 17A 25P
- Simon Chartier – 15G 8A 23P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

2005 – Commandeurs de Lévis | bronze medal | 4-2-1 | 24GF 20GA
2010 – Commandeurs de Lévis | 6th place | 1-4-0 | 11GF 23GA
2025 – Chevaliers de Lévis | silver medal | 6-1 | 33GF 9GA

QMJHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Jacob Boucher – Voltigeurs de Drummondville 2024 (3rd round, 55th overall)
Simon Chartier – Cataractes de Shawinigan 2025 (4th overall, 71st overall)
Benjamin Corso – Cataractes de Shawinigan 2024 (5th round, 82nd overall)
Anthony Breton –Foreurs de Val-d’Or 2025 (5th round, 84th overall)
Malyk Côté – Armada de Blainville-Boisbriand 2024 (7th round, 117th overall)
Alex Duguay-Caron – Charlottetown Islanders 2025 (9th round, 153rd overall)
Nathan Gagnon –Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda 2024 (14th round, 252nd overall)

It’s been a long time coming, but the Waterloo Wolves are returning to compete for the TELUS Cup for the first time since 2003.

The road back to Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship has not been easy. In 2024, the Wolves made it all the way to the Central Regional final, only to fall 6-5 to the Markham Waxers.

Last season, Waterloo finished third in the regular season in the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario and barely missed out on becoming back-to-back league champions, falling in the maximum five games to the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks, who went on to finish fourth at the TELUS Cup.

This year, there was finally redemption for the Wolves.

Waterloo finished with a 30-3-2 record, good for first in the ALLIANCE, before sweeping aside the Brantford 99ers and Windsor Jr. Spitfires to set up a rematch with the Canucks. Waterloo came from behind in the six-game series, winning the last two to advance to regionals.

The Wolves went on a run in Markham, going undefeated in the preliminary round and defeating the host Waxers in the semifinals. With a TELUS Cup berth on the line in the final against the North Shore Whitecaps, Zach Forwell scored the overtime winner in a 5-4 thriller to end the 23-year drought.

Forwell has been the one to watch for Waterloo; he compiled 65 points (27-38—65) over 33 regular-season games and added 36 points (11-25—36) in 18 playoff games—an average of two points per game.

This is the second TELUS Cup appearance for the Wolves. Back in 2003, Waterloo finished fifth with a 1-4 record.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario
Quarterfinal: defeated Brantford 99ers 2-0 (10-2, 11-1)
Semifinal: defeated Windsor Jr. Spitfires 3-0 (8-2, 5-0, 5-1)
Final: defeated Elgin-Middlesex Canucks 3-2-1 (5-2, 3-6, 3-3, 2-6, 5-2, 5-1)

Central Regional
Preliminary round: 1st place (5-0) – defeated Ottawa Automotive 7-6 (OT), defeated North Shore Whitecaps 2-0, defeated North Bay Trappers 9-1, defeated Toronto Titans 4-3 (OT), defeated Markham Waxers 5-4
Semifinal: defeated Markham Waxers 6-2
Final: defeated North Shore Whitecaps 5-4 (OT)

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-OTL-L): 30-2-3 (1st in ALLIANCE)
Goals for: 190 (1st in ALLIANCE)
Goals against: 59 (1st in ALLIANCE)
Longest winning streak: 16 (Nov. 17-Jan. 31)
Top 3 scorers:
- Zach Forwell – 27G 38A 65P (1st in ALLIANCE)
- Eli Humphrey – 21G 27A 48P (4th in ALLIANCE)
- Christopher Mabey – 9G 39A 48P (6th in ALLIANCE)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 15-2-1
Goals for: 100
Goals against: 46
Top 3 scorers:
- Zach Forwell – 11G 25A 36P
- Eli Humphrey – 19G 8A 27P
- Michael Ball – 6G 20A 26P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

2003 – Waterloo Wolves | 5th place | 1-4-0 | 13GF 18GA

OHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Liam Straus – London Knights 2025 (11th round, 223rd overall)
Christopher Mabey – Guelph Storm 2025 (14th round, 265th overall)

The reigning national champions are back at the TELUS Cup, and the Regina Pat Canadians are eager to go back-to-back in Peterborough.

Regina improved on its title-winning campaign; it scored more goals (233 to 258) and allowed fewer (128 to 118) in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League (SMU18AAAHL) compared to 2024-25.

More impressive? The Pat Canadians actually got better while missing two of their top players for half the season. Maddox Schultz—last year’s TELUS Cup MVP who went No. 1 to the Regina Pats in the 2025 WHL Draft—and third-overall pick Liam Pue each played 34 WHL games this season before returning to the U18 level for the playoffs. Despite only playing 21 regular-season games, Schultz recorded 30 goals and 60 points while Pue added 16 goals and 48 points.

Luckily for Regina, it has a lot of star-power outside Schultz and Pue. Leading the way was forward Malaki Martin. The 17-year-old led the Pat Canadians with 78 points (37-41—78) in 44 regular-season games and fronted the playoff push with 24 points (15-9—24) in 15 postseason contests.

The biggest hurdle in the playoffs for the Pat Canadians was the Moose Jaw Warriors. Runners-up to Regina in the regular season, the Warriors pushed the Pat Canadians in a hard-fought five-game battle for the SMU18AAAHL title—which included three overtime games—before the teams had a rematch at the Western Regional. Moose Jaw had the upper-hand in the preliminary round with a 6-2 win, but the Pat Canadians responded with a 5-2 win to return to the TELUS Cup.

This marks the 11th appearance for Regina at Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship, one of just seven programs to reach double digits. Five-time national champions (1983, 1988, 1994, 1999, 2025), the Pat Canadians are currently even with Notre Dame and Séminaire Saint-François for the most ever and could take the record for their own with a win in Peterborough.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League
Quarterfinal: defeated Saskatoon Contacts 3-0 (4-2, 4-1, 6-3)
Semifinal: defeated Estevan Bears 3-0 (5-2, 7-4, 7-2)
Final: defeated Moose Jaw Warriors 3-2 (3-2 OT, 4-3 OT, 2-3 OT, 1-5, 5-2)

West Regional
Preliminary Round: 2nd place (2-1) – defeated Thunder Bay Kings 13-1, lost to Moose Jaw Warriors 6-2, defeated Winnipeg Bruins 3-2.
Final: defeated Moose Jaw Warriors 5-2

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-L-OTL): 38-3-3 (1st in SMU18AAAHL)
Goals for: 253 (2nd in SMU18AAAHL)
Goals against: 118 (2nd in SMU18AAAHL)
Longest winning streak: 10 (Oct. 18-Nov. 13)

Top 3 scorers:
- Malaki Martin – 37G 41A 78P (3rd in SMU18AAAHL)
- Nathan Gardiner – 36G 42A 78P (4th in SMU18AAAHL)
- Ethan Young – 14G 60A 74P (6th in SMU18AAAHL)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 12-3
Goals for: 71
Goals against: 40

Top 3 scorers:
- Malaki Martin – 15G 9A 24P
- Maddox Schultz – 12G 8A 20P
- Liam Pue – 8G 11A 19P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

1978 – Regina Pat Canadians | 10th place | 1-4-0 | 19GF 27GA
1983 – Regina Pat Canadians | gold medal | 6-2-0 | 37GF 26GA
1985 – Regina Pat Canadians | silver medal | 5-2-0 | 21GF 18GA
1988 – Regina Pat Canadians | gold medal | 5-1-1 | 38GF 24 GA
1989 – Regina Pat Canadians | silver medal | 4-3-0 | 28GF 19GA
1994 – Regina Pat Canadians | gold medal | 5-2-0 | 23GF 17GA
1999 – Regina Pat Canadians | gold medal | 6-1-0 | 39GF 15GA
2015 – Regina Pat Canadians | bronze medal | 5-1-1 | 32GF 16GA
2017 – Regina Pat Canadians | 4th place | 2-4-1 | 22GF 25GA
2025 – Regina Pat Canadians | gold medal | 6-1 | 25GF 12GA

WHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Maddox Schultz – Regina Pats 2025 (1st round, 1st overall)
Liam Pue – Regina Pats 2025 (1st round, 3rd overall)
Ryker Doka – Spokane Chiefs 2025 (2nd round, 28th overall)
Cooper Bratton – Prince George Cougars 2024 (2nd round, 41st overall)
Ben Meyer – Medicine Hat Tigers 2025 (4th round, 78th overall)
Ethan Young – Brandon Wheat Kings 2024 (4th round, 85th overall)
Mahlon Wiley – Regina Pats 2025 (4th round, 89th overall)
Nash Bullman – Moose Jaw Warriors 2025 (6th round, 117th overall)
Nathan Gardiner – Calgary Hitmen 2024 (6th round, 117th overall)
Logan Dosenberger – Brandon Wheat Kings 2025 (7th round, 153rd overall)
Adam Muntain – Spokane Chiefs 2024 (8th round, 162nd overall)
Kai Lanigan – Kamloops Blazers 2025 (8th round, 166th overall)
Alan Han – Portland Winterhawks 2025 (8th round, 173rd overall)

Last season, the Okanagan Rockets faced juggernaut after juggernaut to solidify their spot at Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship.

This year? They were the ones defeating the underdogs to return to the TELUS Cup.

The Rockets—who finished fifth and missed out on the semifinals a year ago in Chilliwack—ranked second in the B.C. Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) , just one point shy of the first-place Vancouver North East Chiefs. In the playoffs, Okanagan swept the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds, Cariboo Cougars and Thompson Blazers to retain the BCEHL championship.

At the Pacific Regional, the Rockets met the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue. The Alberta champions pushed the series to a decisive Game 3, where Kaishu Shin scored 8:33 into overtime to punch Okanagan’s ticket to Peterborough.

Finn McKeirnan, who was terrific a year ago at the TELUS Cup, posting a .935 save percentage to earn Top Goaltender honours, was a standout in the Rockets goal once again—he had a 2.47 goals-against average while going 12-4 in the regular season, was 3-0 in the BCEHL playoffs and posted a 33-save shutout in the regional opener to help Okanagan get back to the national championship.

There’s a fun family connection on Okanagan—15-year-old Brayden Jugnauth joined his brother, Logan, in the lineup this year, meaning all four Jugnauth brothers (along with older siblings Colton and Tyson) have played for the Rockets. Brayden—who is likely go very early in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft—led the team during the regular season with 58 points (32-26—58) in 34 games—good for second in the BCEHL—and added 21 points (11-10—21) in nine playoff games.

We have to go back 44 years since the Burnaby Winter Club claimed B.C.’s lone national title in 1982. The Rockets’ bronze in 2014 is the only medal won by a West Coast team since then.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

British Columbia Elite Hockey League
Quarterfinal: defeated Fraser Valley Thunderbirds 2-0 (2-1, 4-2)
Semifinal: defeated Cariboo Cougars 2-0 (4-2, 3-2)
Final: defeated Thompson Blazers 2-0 (10-3, 7-0)

Pacific Regional
Final: defeated Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue 2-1 (3-0, 2-3, 3-2 OT)

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-L-OTL): 26-7-1 (2nd in BCEHL)
Goals for: 151 (2nd in BCEHL)
Goals against: 96 (T-1st in BCEHL)
Longest winning streak: 12 (Oct. 4-Nov. 16)

Top 3 scorers:
- Brayden Jugnauth – 32G 26A 58P (2nd in BCEHL)
- Von Lakovic – 17G 25A 42P (8th in BCEHL)
- Brayden Westman – 9G 29A 38P (13th in BCEHL)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 8-1
Goals for: 38
Goals against: 15

Top 3 scorers:
- Brayden Jugnauth – 11G 10A 21P
- Von Lakovic – 11G 8A 19P
- Kaishu Shin – 3G 13A 16P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

2014 – Okanagan Rockets | bronze medal | 2-2-3 | 28GF 22GA
2025 – Okanagan Rockets | 5th place | 1-4 | 11GF 19GA

WHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Hudson Getzlaf – Vancouver Giants 2023 (5th round, 108th overall)
Von Lakovic – Kelowna Rockets 2024 (6th round, 113th overall)
Logan Jugnauth – Prince George Cougars 2023 (6th round, 125th overall)
Hayden Laing – Tri-City Americans 2023 (9th round, 191st overall)

They have been counting down to the 2026 TELUS Cup all season, and now the Peterborough Petes are ready to welcome the best teams in the country to compete for Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship.

The Petes were a little bit of a yo-yo team in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA); after opening with three-straight wins, they dropped four in a row, setting off on a regular season that saw them never win more than three in a row (which they did twice) and only twice losing back-to-back games after that early-season skid.

They finished as the sixth-place team in the East Division with an 18-13-1 record and were 12th across the entire OMHA. A promising playoff run fell agonizingly short of the OMHA championship tournament after a shootout loss to the Markham Waxers in a championship play-in game (which means it’ll have been 43 days between games by the time they open their TELUS Cup schedule).

Defence wins championships, and Peterborough certainly shone defensively. It allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the OMHA during the regular season (83), and part of that is thanks to Lucas Tsioutsioulas. The 17-year-old goaltender—who was selected 12th overall by the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL U18 Priority Selection—posted a 10-4 record with a 1.92 goals-against average and .854 save percentage.

Offensively, the Petes are led by Garrett Jones, who recorded 47 points (23-24—47), 18 more than any other Peterborough skater and good for sixth in OMHA scoring.

Entering their first-ever TELUS Cup, the Petes do not have history on their side; since 1984, only 10 host teams have played in the gold medal game and only three (and none since 1991) have won the national club championship on home ice.

HOW THEY GOT TO PETERBOROUGH

Ontario Minor Hockey Association
East Division (Pool B): 2nd place (6-4) – defeated Markham Waxers 5-2, lost to Quinte Red Devils 4-2, lost to Markham Waxers 3-2 (OT), defeated York-Simcoe Express 3-1, lost to Barrie Jr. Colts 5-4 (OT), defeated Central Ontario Wolves 6-2, defeated Central Ontario Wolves 3-0, defeated Quinte Red Devils 5-1, lost to Barrie Jr. Colts 5-4, defeated York-Simcoe Express 6-3

Play-in game: lost to Markham Waxers 3-2 (SO)

REGULAR SEASON

Record (W-L- T): 18-13-1 (12th in OMHA)
Goals for: 107 (7th in OMHA)
Goals against: 83 (4th in OMHA)
Longest winning streak: 3 (Oct. 3-14; Dec. 9-16)

Top 3 scorers:
- Garrett Jones – 23G 24A 47P (6th in OMHA)
- Anthony Farrace – 18G 11A 29P (31st in OMHA)
- Brandt Rooyakkers – 7G 17A 24P (62nd in OMHA)

PLAYOFFS

Record: 6-5
Goals for: 42
Goals against: 29

Top 3 scorers:
- Garrett Jones – 4G 16A 20P
- Anthony Farrace – 8G 7A 15P
- Brandt Rooyakkers – 3G 8A 11P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

First appearance

OHL DRAFTED PLAYERS

Lucas Tsioutsioulas – Saginaw Spirit 2025 (U18 - 1st round, 12th overall)
Daniel Tout – Peterborough Petes 2025 (6th round, 104th overall)
Ty Gendron – Peterborough Petes 2025 (11th round, 204th overall)
Garrett Jones – Saginaw Spirit 2025 (11th round, 215th overall)
Teagan Hartnett – Niagara IceDogs 2024 (12th round, 223rd overall)
Joseph Szarka – Peterborough Petes 2025 (12th round, 224th overall)
Brandt Rooyakkers – Peterborough Petes 2025 (13th round, 244th overall)
Chase Mackay – Peterborough Petes 2025 (14th round, 264th overall)
Joshua Goodwin – Peterborough Petes 2025 (15th round, 301st overall)

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the schedules and ticket package details for the 2026 editions of the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.

"We are incredibly thankful to the three communities who have spent considerable time and put forward immense efforts to play host to these major events,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “These events and the memories they will create for fans, athletes, coaches and officials is only possible with the passion, commitment and collaboration of the host communities and volunteers across Canada.

“We are also grateful to Hockey P.E.I., Hockey New Brunswick, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL) for their efforts and support to deliver these events and look forward to continuing to work with them into the spring.”

TSN and RDS, broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will deliver select tournament games, with the full schedule to be announced at a later date.

2026 Esso Cup – Dieppe, New Brunswick

The Esso Cup will be played in New Brunswick for the first time in tournament history, with the Moncton Rockets set to host Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship, April 19-25 at the UNIplex.

Joined by five regional champions from across Canada, the Rockets will play their first game on April 19 at 7 p.m. AT against the Atlantic Region winners, following matchups between the Pacific and Quebec champions and Ontario and West titlists earlier in the day.

After each team plays five preliminary-round games, the top four clubs will advance to the semifinals on April 24, with the medal games scheduled for April 25.

Tickets for the 2026 Esso Cup can be purchased here.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Esso Cup can sign up to be a Hockey Canada Insider and receive more information as soon as it is available.

2026 TELUS Cup – Peterborough, Ontario

The host Peterborough Petes will make their national championship debut as they welcome five regional champions to Ontario for the TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship. The tournament returns to Ontario for the first time since 2019 from April 20-26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and is hosted in partnership with the OHF and City of Peterborough. The Province of Ontario is providing funding support for the TELUS Cup in Peterborough through the Ministry of Sport's Ontario Sport Hosting Program.

The Petes open their schedule against the West Region champions on April 20 at 7 p.m. ET to finish a three-game opening day that also sees the Central winners face the Atlantic champs and Quebec titlists play the Pacific champions.

Semifinals are scheduled for April 25, before the medal games on April 26.

Tickets for the 2026 TELUS Cup can be purchased here.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the TELUS Cup can sign up here to support the delivery of one of Hockey Canada’s marquee national championships.

2026 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons – Summerside, Prince Edward Island

In partnership with the CJHL and MHL, Canada’s top Junior A teams will compete for the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, May 7-17 at Credit Union Place. The Summerside Western Capitals will play host for the fourth time in tournament history, having previously hosted in 1989, 1997 and 2013, and will be joined by nine champions from across the CJHL.

Teams will be separated into two groups and each play four preliminary-round games, with the quarterfinals scheduled for May 15, semifinals on May 16 and championship game on May 17.

The host Western Capitals and champions from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and Superior International Hockey League (SIHL) comprise Group A.

Group B will include the champions from the MHL, Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ), Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

Tickets for the 2026 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, can be purchased here.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, can sign up to be a Hockey Canada Insider and receive more information as soon as it is available.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

There were few—if any—more qualified to lead the Indigenous initiatives at the 2025 TELUS Cup than Hayden Guilderson.

The 28-year-old Chilliwack, B.C., product played minor hockey with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds as part of a hockey journey that includes stops in the Pacific Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and U SPORTS.

At Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship, Guilderson—a councillor with the Ch’iyáqtel First Nation—ensured that as five teams from across the country joined the host Thunderbirds in his hometown, the local Indigenous community would be front and centre.

HockeyCanada.ca caught up with Guilderson to talk about his role, the initiatives he helped lead during the tournament and what the experience taught him.

HC: How did you get involved with the TELUS  Cup and specifically the Indigenous initiatives?

HG: I was invited to join the TELUS Cup steering committee by a Chilliwack city councillor who saw value in my background: a proud alumnus of the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds and a serving councillor for a local First Nation. Growing up playing hockey in the Fraser Valley, I understood both the sport and its community impact. When given the opportunity, I felt a strong responsibility to ensure our Indigenous presence was not just visible, but impactful. This role allowed me to use my voice and experiences—on and off the ice—to help shape an authentic Indigenous activation that reflected our traditions and strengthened the fabric of the tournament.

HC: Can you tell us about some of the key Indigenous elements you helped bring to life?

HG: Several initiatives brought Indigenous pride to the forefront. Welcome gifts for the players featured commissioned artwork from local Indigenous artists—a symbolic gesture of cultural sharing and respect. Medal ceremony cedar plates, hand‑carved by our community artists, carried cultural meaning onto the podium. Most meaningful was the Dreams Come True program; we provided 15 local Indigenous youth with full Bauer hockey gear and led a special on‑ice skills session for them. That moment embodied why we do this work: to break barriers, create opportunities and inspire the next generation. The looks on their faces reminded me that representation goes beyond symbolism—it changes lives. Finally, I partnered with local Indigenous organizations to ensure community members had access to games and tournament events. Each of these elements was built to be authentic, intentional and inclusive—so everyone involved would feel our presence and pride.

HC: Why was it important for you to be a part of this event and make an impact?

HG: Being part of the TELUS Cup meant showcasing Chilliwack’s deep Indigenous roots on a national stage. With teams and visitors from across Canada in town, I wanted them to feel our city’s warmth and connection to land and culture. It was important that our traditions were woven respectfully into the tournament—whether through ceremony, artwork or community involvement. This wasn’t just about representation; it was about fostering understanding and leaving a legacy that reminds everyone of our enduring presence. I saw this as an opportunity to set a new standard in hockey—one where Indigenous voices are integral, celebrated and honoured.

HC: The hockey community is evolving to celebrate different cultures. What does that mean to you?

HG: Seeing hockey become more inclusive and culturally conscious is both heartwarming and overdue. Growing up, I faced racism and never saw Indigenous culture represented in the sport. The TELUS Cup’s Indigenous activations were part of a broader shift: hockey is beginning to heal, educate and embrace new voices. Whether in tournaments or everyday community rinks, culture is being woven into the fabric of the game. That shift validates the experiences of Indigenous players and fans—showing them they belong and that their heritage is valued. To me, it means hope, growth and transformation—not just for hockey, but for the communities it touches.

HC: What did you learn personally through this experience?

HG: This experience taught me the power of collaboration and intentional leadership. When Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders come together with mutual respect, results can be profound. I witnessed how voices rooted in culture strengthen community events and leave lasting impact. On a personal level, I was reminded of how much representation matters—especially to youth who often go unseen. It also reinforced the importance of patience, cultural diligence and ceremony when integrating traditions. This taught me that authenticity takes time but yields deeper, more meaningful outcomes.

HC: What advice would you give to ED&I leaders looking to be part of future Hockey Canada events?

HG: Show up, speak up and collaborate. Don’t be afraid to propose meaningful change—not token gestures. Bring your culture forward and demand that Indigenous voices be woven into the planning and execution. Build partnerships early, involve Elders and artists in decision-making and prioritize cultural protocols. Be patient; these changes take time, but each step shifts the culture of hockey. Your presence and voice matter—so use them to guide and inspire future change.

HC: If there’s one thing you hope people remember from your work at the TELUS Cup, what would it be?

HG: I hope people remember that Indigenous culture is not an add-on—it’s integral. From artwork and ceremony to youth programming, I wanted the TELUS Cup to be known as a tournament where Indigenous tradition and spirit were genuinely woven into the event’s heart. Above all, I wanted people to see Indigenous kids skating in full gear, proud and included. That image, to me, is powerful and hopeful, and the legacy worth carrying forward.