A Medicine Hat Tigers supporter watches the city council meeting on Tuesday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat will support successful Tigers Memorial Cup bid with nearly $2M

Sep 3, 2024 | 10:01 PM

Medicine Hat city council on Tuesday unanimously approved, in principle, funding to support the Tigers junior hockey franchise should it win an intended bid to host the Canadian Hockey League’s 2026 Memorial Cup.

The city will provide $1.25 million in cash and $655,000 through “in kind” services — a standard ask for host cities.

The economic impact from hosting Canada’s top junior hockey championship can infuse many times that, data from other host cities suggest, according to city staff.

The city’s financial contribution is a crucial part of the Tigers’ bid, a revenue item that will help offset the millions in expenditures and keep ticket prices lower, staff said.

The Tigers announced an intent to bid on July 31 to host the 2026 championship. It’s up against five other Western Hockey League teams.

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READ: Tigers declare intent to bid 2026 Memorial Cup

Coun. Allison Knodel said there’s more than just a financial impact.

“I see this as having a significant value,” Knodel said, saying it will have a positive impact on children watching their favourite hockey players and families that will be invested.

Managing Director Brian Stauth echoed Knodel, saying the value goes beyond just the sports community, building on the cultural and economic foundations of Medicine Hat.

“We underestimate the trickle-effect coming down,” Coun. Shila Sharps said, referencing the many businesses that could benefit from the Memorial Cup.

The request for financial support is standard in the municipalities hosting the Canadian Hockey League championship.

While not every city has made the cash contributions publicly available yet, Lethbridge and Kelowna have approved requests in council.

Lethbridge has confirmed a contribution of $1.25 million in cash and $250,000-worth of “in-kind” contributions.

Kelowna will provide $3.7 million for venue upgrades and $350,000 in cash and “in kind” contributions.

In 2023, the gained economic output for host Kamloops was $16.2 million, according to a Thompson Rivers University study.

Lethbridge expects a similar economic impact if they are successful in achieving the bid.

The Tigers, with star Gavin McKenna, aim to be in the running for a championship for 2026. The host team automatically gets a slot in the playoff tournament.