Ottawa Announced As Host For 2027 Esso Cup

Canada's U-19 women's club national championships, the Esso Cup, will be coming to the nation's capital in 2027. Hockey Canada announced that Ottawa will host the 2027 tournament, marking the first time the event has returned to Ontario since 2019. 

“The Esso Cup showcases some of the top young talent in our country, giving fans an opportunity to see them compete before they have the chance to wear the Maple Leaf on the international stage,” said D’Arcy Hutcheson, director of events and fan experience with Hockey Canada. “We are excited to return to Ontario and work alongside a dedicated group of host committee members, volunteers and sponsors to create a memorable experience for fans and teams. Together, we look forward to continuing to grow the female game and leaving a lasting legacy in Ottawa.”

The Ottawa 67s will earn a host position in the tournament facing regional representatives from Atlantic, Ontario, Pacific, Quebec, and West competing at the Steve Yzerman Arena from April 18-24.

“We couldn’t be more proud to bring the Esso Cup to Ottawa for the first time,” said Tim Wilshaw, president of the Ottawa Girls Hockey Association. “Ottawa has a special connection to the women’s game, going back to the first Women’s World Championship in 1990, and we’re excited to bring the National Capital Region together to celebrate the best U18 women’s hockey in Canada. For our U18AA 67’s, the opportunity to represent Ottawa and compete for a national championship at home will be incredibly special.”

“The OWHA is thrilled to partner with the Ottawa Girls Hockey Association to bring the Esso Cup to Ottawa,” said Fran Rider, president of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “A sincere thanks to Esso for its ongoing support of girls’ and women’s hockey, and we look forward to showcasing the excellence of the game while growing opportunities for future generations in Ottawa and beyond.”

In 2026, the Red Deer Chiefs won a dramatic gold medal beating the Stoney Creek Sabres in overtime.

Each year the tournament features many of Canada's best young prospects, a group that includes current NCAA standouts in 2024 MVP Stryker Zablocki and former U-18 national team members Eloise Caron, Caileigh Tiller and Kendall Doiron, as well as PWHL players such as Michela Cava, Ashley Messier, Jade Downie-Landry, Alexa Vasko, Sophie Shirley, Dayle Ross, Lauren Messier, and Megan Warrener.