The Saskatoon Blades have been awarded the 2013 Memorial Cup. 

This will be the second time Saskatoon plays host to the prestigious event, having also hosted the 1989 Memorial Cup.

 “We are completely thrilled about having an opportunity to host the Memorial Cup in 2013,” said team Owner and Governor Jack Brodsky. “It’s something that we have wanted to do since it was last here in 1989 and it’s nice to have a chance to do it again.”

The franchise was named the winner after a final proposal and bidding competition between the Red Deer Rebels, Kelowna Rockets and the Blades.  “I want to commend both Red Deer and Kelowna on their bids and their presentations.  They both did an outstanding job. I don’t think there was a bad bid amongst us and I know both of those groups would have done a great job in hosting this event,” said Brodsky.

Brodsky says there were a number of keys that contributed in winning the bid. “I think ultimately our community, our volunteers and our facility gave us the edge over Kelowna and Red Deer.  The size of our city and the size of our facility gave us an opportunity to present an excellent business plan.  The type of volunteers we have and the type of success we’ve had in the past with the World Junior tournament were also very key points for us winning this bid.”

Most importantly, Brodsky says the fans will be the benefactors of a great and historical event. “For the fans of the Saskatoon Blades it’s just another opportunity to come out and witness great hockey.  We’ve had many great events over the years and I know that this will be another good one.  Anyone that’s a fan of the Western Hockey League and the Saskatoon Blades knows the importance and scale of such an event.  Overall, it will just be another great chance for the city of Saskatoon to showcase what it has to offer.”

The Saskatoon Blades would also like to thank all the groups who came together in support of the winning bid.  Included in that group is local and provincial government, as well as Saskatoon Sports Tourism who played an extremely large and important role.

Ticket information for next season’s Memorial Cup will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Saskatoon Blades Hockey, It Starts Here!