Kitchener Rangers Win 2026 Memorial Cup, Defeat Everett Silvertips 6-2 in Championship Game

The Kitchener Rangers captured the 2026 Memorial Cup with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Everett Silvertips on Sunday night, continuing the Ontario Hockey League's recent dominance on the national stage.

The championship marks the Rangers' third Memorial Cup title, adding to their previous victories in 1982 and 2003.

Kitchener Rangers Claim Third Memorial Cup Championship

With the win, Kitchener joins an elite group of franchises that have won the Memorial Cup three times, including the Cornwall Royals, Kamloops Blazers, Windsor Spitfires, and London Knights.

The Rangers completed a dominant tournament run, finishing undefeated and outscoring opponents 22-7 across four games.

Jussi Ahokas Makes CHL History

Kitchener head coach Jussi Ahokas became the first European coach to lead a team to a Canadian Hockey League championship.

His club was one of the most consistent teams throughout the 2025-26 season and carried that form into both the OHL playoffs and the Memorial Cup.

Jack Pridham and Sam O'Reilly Lead Rangers to Title

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham starred in the championship game with a goal and an assist. He finished the tournament with five goals and seven points in four games, leading all players in goals scored.

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O'Reilly recorded three points in the final and totaled three goals and seven points during the tournament.

His performance earned him the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

O'Reilly and Los Angeles Kings prospect Jared Woolley also became two-time Memorial Cup champions after helping the London Knights win the tournament in 2025.

Rangers Dominated OHL Playoffs and Memorial Cup

Kitchener entered the Memorial Cup after an outstanding season that saw the team finish with the second-best record in the OHL and first place in the Western Conference standings.

The Rangers lost only two playoff games while capturing their fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup and first OHL championship since 2008. They completed a sweep of the Barrie Colts in the league final before carrying that momentum into Kelowna.

Everett Silvertips Reach First Memorial Cup Final

The Everett Silvertips made franchise history by reaching their first Memorial Cup after winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions.

The team was led by Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear, Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen, and Mathis Vanhanen.

Everett finished second in the round-robin standings and defeated the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the semifinal to advance to the championship game.

Mathis Vanhanen Leads Everett Scoring

Mathis Vanhanen led the Silvertips offensively with four goals and six points during the tournament.

______