RIMOUSKI – The Canadian Hockey League ended the suspense Monday morning by confirming that Rimouski had been selected by the selection committee to host the 2025 Memorial Cup, prompting a wave of positive reactions on the club's social networks, Océanic and the media outlets that broke the news , triggered .
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Rimouski's candidacy was chosen over Shawinigan's. After 2009, it is the second time that Rimouski has hosted the best junior hockey teams in the country. “Congratulations to the entire organization and the organizing committee. Very big news for our region,” explained the MP for Rimouski-Neigette–Témiscouata–Les Basques, Maxime Blanchette-Joncas.
“I am so proud that Rimouski will host the Memorial Cup for the second time in 2025. This will be an opportunity to showcase our great territory throughout North America. I would like to congratulate Alexandre Tanguay and his board on their work and solid candidacy. It will be an honor to welcome the world of ice hockey to Rimouski,” commented Rimouski MP Maïté Blanchette-Vézina.
Pride and humility
Océanic co-owner Alexandre Tanguay will meet the press on Tuesday morning, but he shared his initial reaction in a press release. “It is with great pride and humility that we receive the news today. It will be an honor to welcome the world of hockey to our home in Rimouski in 2025 and promote our region across Canada and the United States. I would like to thank the selection committee for their trust and at the same time congratulate the Shawinigan Cataractes organization on their candidacy.”
The real work begins
“Now the real work begins for us to ensure an event that meets expectations. We have a special thought for our fans, the best junior hockey fans in the country. We all look forward to welcoming you to our land of champions in May 2025,” added Alexandre Tanguay.
Work is needed on the Colosseum
The Rimouski City Council approved loan settlements totaling $4.6 million for improvements to the Colisée Financière Sun Life in preparation for the Memorial Cup awards ceremony.
“First we have to redo the stripes and the bay windows. We also need to place the two players' benches on the same side of the ice to meet a Canadian Hockey League requirement. We also need to replace our 2009 scoreboard. Océanic will support us in financing the food bank. Eventually we will build 12 new boxes. We are aware of the increasing operating costs for junior teams and the presence of boxes allows us to generate additional income,” said Mayor Guy Caron.
25 years after the conquest in 2000
The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the only Memorial Cup victory in Océanic history in 2000. Captain Jonathan Beaulieu and future two-time Stanley Cup champion Brad Richards were the leaders of this team. Both took on the honorary co-presidency of the 2025 tournament.