By James Peters

Blazers, City of Kamloops bid to host 2020 Memorial Cup

Nov 9, 2017 | 11:18 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers have announced their intention to host the 2020 Memorial Cup.

The junior hockey club has announced a joint bid, along with the City of Kamloops, to host the tournament.

The last time Kamloops hosted the Memorial Cup was 1995, which was also the last time the Blazers won the top trophy in Canadian junior hockey.

Majority Owner Tom Gaglardi says this has long been a dream for the ownership group.

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“Since we purchased the club 10 years ago, it has always been a goal of ours to bring the Memorial Cup tournament back to our great city. Kamloops has proven itself time and time again as an exceptional host for major tournaments in several sports, including hockey, and many with worldwide audiences and participation.”

Mayor Ken Christian says those at this morning’s announcement are the reason why the bid can be successful.

“This is indicative of why Kamloops can pull this off. The people who are in this room, and the people in the organizations that you represent are the fabric that makes livability in Kamloops so good and makes that volunteer culture in Kamloops so prime.”

The Blazers and the City have also announced upgrades to the Sandman Centre, previously approved in the city’s budget.

They include LED lighting, and retrofitted boards and glass to improve safety.