Calgary Canucks win bid to host 2025 Centennial Cup; event will be city's first

The 2025 Centennial Cup is coming to Calgary.

Monday, the Calgary Canucks announced they'd successfully won the bid to host the 2025 Centennial Cup at the Max Bell Centre.

The 2025 edition will also mark the first Centennial Cup to be held in the city.

Sandy Edmonstone, the Canucks' president and board chair, said this is "a testament to Calgary's enduring spirit and passion for hockey."

"For our great province and city, it's not merely about the thrill of victory on the ice but the profound impact it leaves on our youth. As the spotlight shines, it illuminates the pathways for our young athletes, inspiring them to strive for excellence and reminding them that their dreams are within reach," Edmonstone said.

Edmonstone also noted the event will boost the local economy and showcase support for youth sports by the energy industry.

Meaghan Mikkelson, host organizing committee co-chair, said Calgary is "the ultimate host city for the Centennial Cup tournament."

"With our rich history in hockey and commitment to excellence, we are ready to showcase our city's hospitality and provide an unforgettable experience for players, coaches and fans alike," Mikkelson said.

Lyle Peterman, host organizing committee co-chair, likewise said Calgary "has proven time and time again that we are the ultimate host city."

"Hockey fans from here and across the country can expect an entertaining and exciting atmosphere in and around Max Bell Centre with an unforgettable western heritage and Calgary flair," Peterman said.

Canucks captain Bowden Singleton broke his wrist in the AJHL playoffs and was done for the year, and he says watching the last Centennial Cup wasn't easy.

"It was hard. Obviously, I wanted to be out there helping the boys," he said.

"I lead by example on the ice, so not being on the ice, I felt like I was letting the boys down in a way."

Singleton is hoping that won't be the case this time.

As hosts, the Canucks are guaranteed a spot in the tournament.

Singleton is looking forward to it.

"What are the odds you get to go back-to-back years? Obviously, as a 20-year-old, it's your last year, so you want to go all-in for that year and obviously, hosting it, you have the best chance of winning it," he said.

Brad Moran, head coach and general manager, says getting the Centennial Cup will be a huge benefit for him when it comes to recruiting players.

"I think in the end, it will be easier and hopefully more motivating for the guys that are here that everything we do has got to build up to May and prepare that way and talk about it and be OK with that," he said.

"And having been there last year, the guys that were there, including myself, have to learn something about the tournament and what it takes."

For the players, 2024 was a learning experience.

They did well but they didn't bring home the hardware.

That is certainly the goal in 2025.

"I think it's just going back to it and making sure we go over what we did last year and kind of building off of that," forward Cody Pisarczyk said.

"But first things first, you've got to look at the regular season and then the post-season and then worry about the Centennial Cup, just getting ready throughout the entire season to have another successful Centennial Cup and hopefully bring the whole thing home this year." 

The 2025 Centennial Cup is scheduled for May 8-18, 2025. The Max Bell Centre is located at 1001 Barlow Tr. S.E.