Just like many Canadian kids, Tom Dyas loved playing hockey. Growing up in Oshawa, watching the Oshawa Generals play taught Dyas how impactful local sports can be in community.
“I watched the Generals many, many times. My dad was substantially involved with the team,” said Dyas who uses this knowledge in his position as the mayor of Kelowna, B.C., to ensure his local team, the Rockets, gets the opportunity to host the Memorial Cup.
An event like the Memorial Cup draws tourism and attention from all over North America. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) features 60 teams, each of which has a devout fanbase. During the 2023-2024 season, the CHL teams collectively saw 8.9 million fans attend games throughout the season and playoffs. The last Memorial Cup was hosted in Saginaw, Mich., and saw over 40 thousand fans attend over the eight games, which is more than a full house each game.
It’s hard to look at the past 10 years of CHL hockey and not compare the Generals and Rockets. Both teams found themselves in the finals just nine years ago, both having bid for the honour of hosting, and both having those dreams shattered by cancellations. The Generals made a bid to host the tournament in 2021, with the Rockets winning the honour in 2020. Both tournaments were cancelled due to COVID prior to taking place.
However, only one of those teams has been awarded the Memorial Cup: the Kelowna Rockets will host in 2026.
Dyas, who was elected mayor of Kelowna in 2022, grew up a Generals fan before integrating seamlessly into the Rockets hockey fandom. He served as bid chair of the 2020 Rockets bid, meaning he was responsible for putting together the video which was submitted to earn the tournament.
He said. “I’ve been around the hockey world here ever since I moved here, I’ve always attended Rockets games.”
According to Tourism Kelowna, the city expects an economic boost from the 2026 Memorial Cup. Kamloops, the host of the 2023 tournament saw $16.3 million of economic output from the city as a result of hosting the event.
But it’s not just the games, the regional district of Central Okanagan will host festival type events throughout the week, encouraging fans to explore the area, and visit local businesses.
“It’s a great economic generator for a community, and it’s a great thing to latch on to,” Dyas said.
The Oshawa community would see similar benefits, according to Krista Licsi, Director for Oshawa Tourism.
“Hosting a large scale event always has a significant impact on the local economy,” she said. “As a proud hockey city, Oshawa would greatly benefit from the opportunity to host the Memorial Cup, both in terms of economic impact, and community pride.”
So why haven’t the Generals made a bid since 2021?
It’s no secret to followers of the team that Generals’ owner Rocco Tullio has been looking to upgrade the team’s home, the Tribute Community Centre. Just two years ago, in an article for Global News, Tullio said: “ If we don’t have the space, I have no choice. If they can’t give me more seats, there’s nothing to talk about.”
Tullio has previously discussed a move to Pickering when the lease is up in 2031.
Mayor Dan Carter has voiced his stance on the Generals status in the past, saying he feels the Generals belong in Oshawa.
“The Oshawa Generals are an important part of the city of Oshawa.” he said.
Bottom: Tribute Community Centre, Home of the Oshawa generals, located in Oshawa, ON. Photo taken on saturday December 7th 2024
In order to host the Memorial Cup, the city of Oshawa and the Generals would have to work together to undergo renovations for the CHL to even consider them eligible.
The Kelowna Rockets home, Prospera Place, is undergoing these strenuous upgrades to be ready for the Memorial Cup in just two seasons. The renovations include putting in a new scoreboard clock, a new media board and outlet, new cabling to allow broadcast cameras to easily set up, and even new dressing rooms to allow the tournament to run smoothly. These installations, which according to the CBC will cost the city nearly $3.7 million, are expected to be completed as early as next summer, according to Mayor Dyas.
Kelowna has more than just the Memorial Cup on their slate. The city will welcome the Montana’s Brier, the men’s national curling championship, next year and is scheduled to host the 2026 B.C. summer games for the fourth time.
Back in Oshawa, the economic impact of something like the Memorial Cup cannot be ignored. Fans certainly would love the opportunity to experience the spectacle. But the decision must be made by the team itself, and the support of the city. However, Gens fans can do what they do best and make some noise.