Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

Rockets’ radio partner steps up for Memorial Cup bid

Sep 2, 2024 | 8:03 PM

The radio partner of the Kelowna Rockets isn’t sitting quietly in the teams’ quest to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.

Pattison Media, which operates three radio stations in Kelowna and one in Vernon,  including the top-rated stations in both markets, is ready to put the power of radio towards a successful bid.

“As the play-by-play voice for the Kelowna Rockets, Pattison believes deeply in hockey and the importance of such events to our audience and the communities we serve,” said General Manager Karl Johnston, who oversees the Okanagan and Saskatchewan Division. “To demonstrate our commitment, we are pleased to offer $250,000 of in-kind advertising should we successfully win the bid.”

Pattison also operates Kelowna10 – a local video app featuring Kelowna events and goings on, as well as RocketFAN – an online community portal for everything Rocket-related.

“Both digital channels would be harnessed – along with our radio stations – to keep the community up to date on the countdown to the Memorial Cup,” Johnston continued. “You can be assured that our radio stations and online portals will energetically support this event.

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Pattison also owns and operates radio stations that broadcast games in the Western Hockey League for the Red Deer Rebels and Prince Albert Raiders.

“We would also look to provide our network of radio stations and online portals throughout our region and Canada further exposure,” Johnston concluded.

The winning bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup will be announced in December.

Kelowna will compete against Spokane, Brandon, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge to host the 10-day tournament.