The national major junior hockey championship tourney begins May 26 in Kamloops
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The Kamloops Blazers, in partnership with the 2023 Memorial Cup host organizing committee, have announced details of a series of sponsored events set to take place during the 2023 Memorial Cup tournament.
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The tourney, presented by Kia, will take place at Sandman Centre in late May and early June.
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Gathering at Kelson Hall for the announcement, 2023 Memorial Cup committee chair Yves Lacasse said the committee seeks to bring the same level of city-wide enthusiasm to the city as was experienced in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Western Canada Theatre artistic director James MacDonald joined the 60-minute presentation of Memorial Cup sponsors, interviewing those involved.
Here is a look at what to expect during the 10-day event, which runs from May 25 (the day before the first game) and June 3:
ARRIVAL OF THE CUP AND OPENING CEREMONY
Presented by Kia at the Tk’emlúps the Secwépemc Powwow Arbour, the event will feature a welcome and prayer by Tk’emlúps, along with opening remarks and introductions of the host Kamloops Blazers and the three other teams. The ceremony will also include the unveiling of the Blazers’ theme jersey for the tournament’s opening night. It is free for all to attend.
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MOLSON CANADIAN HOCKEY HOUSE
Serving as the official entertainment venue for the 10-day event, the Molson Canadian Hockey House will serve as a central destination for concerts, viewing parties and leadership series events. It will be located in the lower parking lot of Sandman Centre. Headlining the concert series on June 1 is a performance from Gord Bamford. Other musical talents scheduled for May 25 and June 3 will be announced soon, along with ticket information. On game days, Molson Canadian Hockey House will offer a community viewing opportunity for fans without a game ticket wishing to experience the energy of the Memorial Cup.
BLAZING TRAILS LEADERSHIP EVENTS
The Blazing Trails Leadership Series, presented by Tk’emlúps, will see accomplished Olympians, including Scott Niedermayer, Manon Rheaume, Jerome Iginla and Philip Poulin, take the stage. The athletes will share their personal stories for fans on June 2 during a luncheon at Thompson Rivers University. Clara Hughes will also be featured as part of the Leadership Series on May 31. The event is free to attend.
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HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
Presented by Switchback Creek Development at Sun Peaks, this event is a Memorial Cup staple for fans and community members alike. Guests will be able to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit and have their photo taken with trophies, watch video and participate hockey-related activities. Located in Kelson Hall at 330 St. Paul St., the event is free and open to the public.
ECO-FRIENDLY EVENT
Thompson Rivers University is presenting various options over the course of the festivities, which include:
• elimination of single-use water bottles and packaging in the Molson Canadian Hockey House;
• electric and hybrid vehicles as part of the transportation fleet, provided by Kia Canada.
In addition, the City of Kamloops will provide free public transit for ticket holders throughout the tournament.
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THEME DAYS SCHEDULE
• May 27 is Locals Day, presented by the City of Kamloops and celebrating everything Kamloops;
• May 28 is Youth Day, presented by Mortco and featuring a ball hockey tournament for youth;
• May 29 is Parents Day, celebrating support from player parents and families;
• May 30 is CH-All Day, presented by Canruss Medical and Safety Services, a day of celebration and education on diversity, equity and inclusion;
• May 31 is Indigenous Day, focused on the process of truth and reconciliation;
• June 1 is Western Day, presented by Kubota, celebrating everything about the West Coast;
• June 2 is Eco-Day, presented by Thompson Rivers University, supporting the vision of keeping the environmental footprint as low as possible;
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• June 3 is Women’s Day, presented by KIA Kamloops, a celebration focused on accomplishments by women throughout the Kamloops area and broader hockey community.
ADDITIONAL EVENT SPONSORS
Simpcw Resources Group, ATS Traffic, MNP, R James-Western Freightliner, Extreme Excavating, Atypique, Grant Thornton, Kelson Group. In addition, 30 businesses have stepped up and supported the tourney through the purchase of Coming Together Partner packages.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE
Limited ticket packages and sponsorship packages are still available. For ticket packages, contact the Sandman Center box office at 250-828-33339 or online at ticketmaster.ca.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jim Chopper or Stacy Keen at the Kamloops Blazers’ office at 250-828-1144.
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