TELUS Cup introductory press conference in Peterborough
Peterborough is gearing up to host the 2026 TELUS Cup, Canada’s national U18 men’s hockey championship, and organizers are calling on the community to help make it a world-class event.
The tournament runs April 20 to April 26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, bringing top players and fans from across the country. Volunteers are critical to the experience, assisting with everything from game operations and merchandise to transportation and medical support.
Andrea Pade, Communications Specialist with the City of Peterborough, says the volunteer roles are diverse and essential to the tournament’s success.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and complete a security screening; some roles also require a Criminal or Vulnerable Sector record check and a driver’s abstract for transportation duties.
Pade emphasizes that volunteers are more than just helpers behind the scenes – they set the tone for the entire event and help make it memorable for players, fans, and officials alike.
Pade says there’s no need to be a hockey expert to get involved — a positive attitude and willingness to help are what matter most. The City is hoping to recruit close to 200 volunteers, each contributing four shifts ranging from two to five hours.
This year will mark the first time the TELUS Cup has been hosted in Ontario since 2019, and volunteers will play a pivotal role in ensuring the championship showcases Peterborough’s hospitality and passion for hockey.
Getting ready for an event like this takes months of preparation, and Pade says just like the game of hockey, it’s been a team effort the entire way.
Interested volunteers can register online at hockeycanada.ca/teluscup, with the deadline to apply set for February 28th. If you have any questions about roles or the registration process you can email the City at communityvolunteers@peterborough.ca.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
