Mayor, Minister and MPP Drop the Puck as TELUS Cup Championship Heats Up

Peterborough, ON – The excitement of the TELUS Cup continued as Mayor Jeff Leal was joined by the Honourable Minister Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, and MPP Dave Smith in a ceremonial puck drop at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday, April 23, 2026.  

The ceremony took place before the Peterborough Jr. Petes took on the Halifax Macs at 7 p.m.  

Since the first puck dropped on April 20, 2026, the TELUS Cup has brought high-energy competition, unforgettable moments and visitors from across Canada to Peterborough, while showcasing the community’s passion for sport and hospitality. 

“This tournament has been an incredible success for our city,” said Mayor Leal. “We are honoured to welcome teams, families and fans from coast to coast, and I want to sincerely thank Minister Lumsden and MPP Smith for joining us and recognizing the importance of events like the TELUS Cup. I also want to thank the many volunteers whose hard work and dedication have helped make this championship such a tremendous experience. I encourage everyone to come out this weekend for the semi-finals and medal games and be part of the excitement.” 

“Events like the TELUS Cup showcase the very best of Ontario’s sport system and the communities that support it,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our government is proud to support this event through the Sport Hosting Program, helping communities like Peterborough welcome athletes, families and fans from across the country while inspiring the next generation through sport.” 

"The TELUS Cup has brought an incredible atmosphere to Peterborough. It’s an honour to welcome teams from across Canada and show them the spirit of our community. I encourage everyone to get down to the Memorial Centre this weekend to support these incredible U18 athletes,” said Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith.  

The City of Peterborough has received funding support from the Government of Ontario through the Sport Hosting Program.   

The TELUS Cup has highlighted Peterborough as a premier destination for national sporting events, generating community pride and showcasing local businesses, attractions and the city’s ability to host on a national stage. 

Fans are encouraged to pack the stands this weekend as the tournament heads into the semi-finals and medal rounds, where Canada’s top U18 men’s club hockey teams will compete for a national championship. 

Semifinal games take place Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Bronze and gold medal games take place at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, April 26.  

For tickets visit memorialcentre.ca.