Press Release – Friday July 31 2026

TELUS Cup Host Committee Chair and Executive Team Announced

Brandon, MB – July 31, 2026 – Following yesterday’s announcement that Brandon and the Keystone Centre will host the 2027 TELUS Cup, Canada’s National U18 Men’s Club Championship, the Keystone Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Trotter as Chair of the Local Host Organizing Committee, along with the executive team that will help lead planning for the national championship.

Trotter brings decades of leadership experience in business, governance, and community engagement to the role. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Red Leaf Pulp and previously spent many years with MNP, including serving as Managing Partner overseeing offices in Brandon, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Vancouver. A longtime supporter of amateur hockey, Trotter is also a former coach with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA program and has remained actively involved in community organizations throughout his career.

“We are thrilled to have Dan leading our Host Organizing Committee as we prepare to welcome Canada’s top U18 hockey teams to Brandon,” said Connie Lawrence, CEO and General Manager of the Keystone Centre. “Dan’s leadership experience, community connections and passion for hockey make him exceptionally well-suited to guide this event. His involvement will be invaluable as we work together to deliver a first-class championship for athletes, fans and visitors.”

Lawrence noted that securing the 2027 TELUS Cup is the result of strong collaboration between the Keystone Centre, Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA program, sponsors, volunteers and community partners.

“This event represents a tremendous opportunity not only for the Keystone Centre, but for Brandon and the entire Westman region,” said Lawrence. “We look forward to showcasing our community on a national stage while creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Trotter said he is honoured to have been selected to lead the committee.

“I am extremely excited and honoured to serve as Chair of the 2027 TELUS Cup Host Organizing Committee,” said Trotter. “I would like to thank Connie Lawrence and the entire Keystone Centre team for their confidence and support.”

“The TELUS Cup presents an outstanding opportunity for Brandon to showcase its ability to host national-calibre events,” he added. “Hockey fans from across Western Manitoba will have the opportunity to watch the best U18 teams in Canada compete for a national championship, including our own Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA team as host representatives. We look forward to delivering an exceptional tournament and creating lasting memories for participants and fans alike.”

The 2027 TELUS Cup will bring six of Canada’s top U18 club teams to Assiniboine Credit Union Place from April 19–25, 2027, competing for one of the country’s most prestigious amateur hockey championships.

The event will mark Brandon’s most significant national hockey championship since hosting the 2010 Memorial Cup. The city also served as a co-host of the 1999 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and previously welcomed the 1994 Air Canada Cup, now known as the TELUS Cup.

“On behalf of Hockey Manitoba, we are thrilled that Brandon and the Keystone Centre have been selected to host the 2027 TELUS Cup,” said Trevor Buhnai, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Manitoba. “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Manitoba’s passion for hockey, our dedicated volunteers and our ability to deliver a premier national championship event.”

“The TELUS Cup represents the highest level of U18 AAA hockey in Canada,” Buhnai added. “Hosting this championship in Manitoba will inspire the next generation of players while showcasing the strength of our hockey community. We look forward to working alongside Hockey Canada, the Keystone Centre, the Host Organizing Committee and local partners to create an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials and fans.”

In order to deliver a successful championship, a strong leadership team has been assembled to guide preparations for the event.

Local Host Organizing Committee Executive

• Dan Trotter – Chair
• Carson McConnell
• Mike Brolund
• Kris Klemick
• Craig Anderson
• Derrick Stewart

With the executive team now in place, recruitment of volunteers and committee members will begin in the coming months as preparations accelerate for the 2027 championship.

Additional information regarding ticket packages, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer recruitment and tournament events will be announced in the weeks and months ahead.

For more information about the 2027 TELUS Cup, visit www.keystonecentre.com or follow the Keystone Centre on social media.

-30-

For more information, contact the Wheat City TELUS Cup Committee at teluscup@keystonecentre.com or 204-726-3501