photo credit: chl.ca
KELOWNA — The City of Kelowna and the Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce the appointment of David Rush and Steve Thomson as co-chairs of the campaign team for the 2026 Memorial Cup bid. With their extensive experience and long-standing commitment to the Kelowna community, both David and Steve are well-suited to lead this significant initiative.
Expressing their excitement about the campaign, Rush and Thomson stated, “We are thrilled to take on this challenge and are eager to lead the team in presenting the strongest possible bid to maximize the chances of a successful outcome for the City of Kelowna and the Rockets.”
The bid will leverage the comprehensive groundwork laid by the committee for the 2020 Memorial Cup, which was unfortunately cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If successful, this would be the second time the Rockets host the prestigious ten-day tournament.
The 2026 Memorial Cup will be the 106th edition of the tournament, featuring the playoff champions from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, along with the WHL host team.
David Rush is co-founder of Rush Ihas Hardwick LLP. His involvement in the community includes serving on various boards and advisory committees, such as the City of Kelowna Advisory Planning Commission, and as a past president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, among many others.
Steve Thomson has an extensive history of community service, having served three terms as the Kelowna-Mission MLA and as speaker during the initial sessions of the 41st parliament in June 2017. He is a former minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations, minister of natural resource operations, minister of energy, and minister of agriculture and lands. Additionally, Steve has served as a past president of both the Rotary Club of Kelowna and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.
Business Examiner Staff