Fort McMurray, AB, July 30, 2026 — The Fort McMurray Oil Barons are proud to announce that Hockey Canada has officially selected Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo as the host community for the 2027 Centennial Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship.
The Centennial Cup represents the highest level of competition in Junior A hockey across the country, bringing together the nation’s top teams to compete for a national championship.
Hosting the Centennial Cup marks a historic milestone for both the Oil Barons organization and the Fort McMurray community. The event will bring Canada’s top Junior A teams and hockey fans to the region while adding another chapter to the city’s proud hockey history.
Fort McMurray previously hosted the national championship in 2000, when the tournament was known as the RBC Cup. The Oil Barons captured the national title on home ice that year, creating one of the most memorable moments in franchise history. Twenty-seven years later, the organization will once again welcome the country’s best Junior A teams to Fort McMurray.
The successful bid was made possible through the support of community partners, volunteers, local businesses, and hockey supporters throughout the region. Their collective commitment helped showcase Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo as an outstanding destination for one of the premier events in Canadian junior hockey.
As hosts, the Oil Barons will welcome teams, staff, officials, media, and fans from across Canada for a week-long celebration of elite junior hockey and community pride.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to be awarded the 2027 Centennial Cup. It is a huge honor and privilege that our team takes very seriously. The goal is to ice a competitive team that our community can be proud of. There is no doubt that the city of Fort McMurray and the municipality will organize a tournament that will once again raise the bar as it did in 2000.”
— Tom Keca, Head Coach and General Manager, Fort McMurray Oil Barons
“Hosting the Centennial Cup is an opportunity for our entire community to be part of something special. We know Fort McMurray will show up the way it always does, with incredible passion, hospitality, and volunteer spirit. I encourage our fans to secure their season tickets early to guarantee the best seats in the house, and if you’re looking to get involved, consider volunteering. Together, we’ll show the rest of Canada why Fort McMurray is one of the best hockey communities in the country.”
Andrew Boutilier, President, Northern Alberta Athletic Association
“On behalf of Council and the entire Municipality, congratulations to our Fort McMurray Oil Barons on securing the 2027 Centennial Cup. This is a great moment for our region and a chance to showcase our community on a national stage, much like we did in 2000 when we took home a national title at what is now Centerfire Place. Hockey is woven into who we are, and we look forward to welcoming teams, families, and fans from across Canada and sharing the spirit, hospitality, and energy that make our region such a special place.”
— Mayor Sandy Bowman, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
“Congratulations to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on securing the 2027 Centennial Cup. Hosting Canada’s National Junior A Championship is a significant achievement for Fort McMurray. This event will showcase our community to a national audience, create meaningful economic opportunities for local businesses, and bring people together through one of Canada’s greatest traditions. Fort McMurray has a proven track record of hosting major events, and I have no doubt the volunteers, organizers, and community will deliver an outstanding championship experience for players, officials, and fans from across the country.”
— Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche and Minister of Energy and Minerals
Additional information regarding tournament dates, ticket packages, volunteer opportunities, and event details will be announced at a later date.
The Fort McMurray Oil Barons would like to thank Hockey Canada, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and all community partners who supported the bid process.
The countdown to the 2027 Centennial Cup begins now!
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MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Langpap
Media + Communications, Centennial Cup Host Committee
Phone: 780-531-6110
Email: megan.steiestol@gmail.com
