CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the host locations for Canada’s 2026 U18 national club championships, with the Esso Cup set for Dieppe, New Brunswick, and the TELUS Cup heading to Peterborough, Ontario. “Hosting premier hockey events takes a tremendous effort from everyone in the chosen communities,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “From volunteers, sponsors and the fans, Canadians from coast to coast to coast step up every year to help grow the game of hockey and provide lifelong memories for these athletes.”
From April 19-25, the Moncton Rockets of the Maritime Major Female Hockey League (MMFHL) will welcome five regional champions to compete for Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship at the UNIplex. It marks the first time the Esso Cup has been hosted in the province of New Brunswick and fourth time the Rockets have competed in the event (2010, 2014, 2015), and represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, Hockey New Brunswick and the City of Dieppe. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the nation’s top U18 AAA female hockey teams and players to our community for the 2026 Esso Cup,” said Mélanie McGrath, co-chair of the Esso Cup host organizing committee. “This tournament is a celebration of talent, determination, and the bright future of women’s hockey in Canada. We’re honored to be part of this incredible event and can’t wait to create unforgettable memories for the players, families, and fans.” The Peterborough Junior AAA Petes of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) will make their national championship debut at the TELUS Cup, which is set for April 20-26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The 2026 event marks the return of Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship to Ontario for the first time since 2019 in Thunder Bay and is hosted in partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and the City of Peterborough. “We’re thrilled to welcome the TELUS Cup to Peterborough— this is the most exciting hockey moment for our community since we hosted the Memorial Cup in 1996,” said City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal. “In Peterborough, hockey is more than a game, it is part of our identity. The TELUS Cup is an incredible chance to cheer on the future stars of the sport, showcase our facilities and the home of the legendary Peterborough Petes, and celebrate everything that makes Peterborough an unforgettable destination not only for minor hockey, but also for active family fun.”
Fans can stay up to date on news about the 2026 Esso Cup and 2026 TELUS Cup, including schedules, ticket information and other promotions, by signing up to become a Hockey Canada Insider.
The 2025 Esso Cup is currently being played in Lloydminster, Alberta, with the host Steelers welcoming the Eastern Stars (Atlantic), Edmonton Jr. Oilers (Pacific), Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière (Québec), North York Storm (Ontario) and Saskatoon Stars (West).
The 2025 TELUS Cup is underway in Chilliwack, British Columbia, with the host Thunderbirds joined by the Elgin Middlesex Canucks (Central), Chevaliers de Lévis (Québec), Moncton Flyers (Atlantic), Okanagan Rockets (Pacific) and Regina Pat Canadians (West).
For more information on Hockey Canada, the Esso Cup and the TELUS Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. About Peterborough:
Peterborough is a vibrant mid-size city shaped by its connection to nature, the waterway, community, and a rich tradition of sport and recreation. Conveniently located 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, on the doorstep of The Kawarthas cottage country, Peterborough is the largest urban centre on the historic, 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway, named one of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 by New York Times. Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations.
About Dieppe: Dieppe is the fourth largest city in the maritime province of New Brunswick located on the outskirts of the City of Moncton. A primarily francophone community, over 63% of the residents consider French as their mother tongue. Named in honor of the Canadian soldiers killed during the landing of Allied troops on the beaches in Dieppe, France in 1942, Dieppe is located along the Petitcodiac River and forms the southeastern part of the Greater Moncton Area. Dieppe is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territories of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi'gmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples.