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The Prince Albert Predators have been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 MacDonald Cup Western Canadian Championships after winning the tournament the last two years. Here, the team is posing for a celebratory photo with the MacDonald Cup after beating the North Shore Indians in last years finals in Abbotsford, B.C. on Aug. 10, 2025. (Image Credit: Tolson Media/MacDonald Cup)
Home Sweet Home

P.A. Predators win bid to host MacDonald Cup Western Championships

Apr 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM

The Prince Albert Predators will head back to the MacDonald Cup later this summer to defend their Western Canadian Championship only this time, they won’t have to travel anywhere.

On Sunday, it was announced that the Jr. B lacrosse club was awarded hosting rights for the tournament, which will be played at the Art Hauser Centre from Aug. 5-9.

“We’re going to be trying to win it for the third year in a row, and it’ll hopefully cap off a very exciting season for us here in Prince Albert,” said Lucas Wells, head coach of the Predators.

The Preds are the reigning back-to-back MacDonald Cup Western Champions, having won the 2024 championship in Brooks, Alta. and the 2025 title in Abbotsford, B.C. Now hosting the tournament in 2026, Wells said it’ll be nice to be in their own beds and in a familiar environment, adding he’s looking forward to bringing the best Western Canada has to offer to the city.

“It’s very exciting, especially since we’re graduating a bunch of older players. I’m very excited to showcase the Western Canadian lacrosse landscape here in Prince Albert, especially our own team and our own athletes.” 

He continued that the support they have in the city will make it difficult for opposing teams when they arrive for the tournament.

“I don’t think a lot of teams understand the fan support we get here. Last year for our final home game in the [Prairie Gold Lacrosse League], we had just under 700 people in the Kinsmen Arena. I feel like if we get into the Western Canadian final, I think we’d have even more than that in the Art Hauser Centre. Our goal would be to get maybe 1000 to 1500 fans in there. I know that’s a lofty goal, but I think P.A. would come out and represent”

With the location for the tournament now set in stone, the team is putting out the call for volunteers for the championship. Those interested can contact the team by emailing them at papredslax@gmail.com, or by sending them a message on their Facebook page.

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com