NEW HOST PROVINCE ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 DON JOHNSON MEMORIAL CUP

by Hockey PEI Communications // @HockeyPEI // March 1st, 2025.

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - With disappointment Hockey PEI and the Kensington Vipers announce their decision to withdrawal from hosting the upcoming 2025 Don Johnson Memorial Cup in Kensington, PEI this April 24- 27th.

It has been a challenging year for the Island Junior Hockey League team. The Sherwood Metros took a leave of absence this season leaving Kensington as the sole IJHL team on PEI. Both teams began playing in an interlock league with the New Brunswick Junior Hockey League in the 2023-2024 season.

The Kensington Vipers continues participation in that league this 2024-2025 season. PEI was set to be the next location on the Atlantic rotation. In November, the Atlantic Branches approved a revised schedule in the absence of a second PEI team. In late January, the Hockey Newfoundland Junior League advised that they would be withdrawing their participation in the event citing concern with the shortened event schedule and travel costs.

After Considerable consultation with the Kensington Vipers and Junior Council, Hockey PEI advised the Atlantic Branches that it was not feasible for PEI to continue to host with the current number of committed teams. Hockey PEI, Hockey New Brunswick and Hockey Nova Scotia discussed several options for a revised maritime schedule and are pleased to announce that the New Brunswick, Kent Koyotes have stepped up to ensure the Don Johnson Memorial Cup continues for 2025. The event format will include the host, Kent Koyotes, a Hockey New Brunswick representative, two teams from Hockey Nova Scotia and the Kensington Vipers.

Hockey New Brunswick is pleased to confirm the event will take place in Cocagne, NB at the Cocagne Arena from April 22nd -27th.

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Hockey PEI is the governing body for organized hockey in Prince Edward Island. Hockey PEI’s main purpose is to foster, promote, develop, supervise, regulate, and govern the sport of amateur hockey throughout Prince Edward Island. For more on Hockey PEI and its programs visit www.hockeypei.com or follow through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Maddix

Junior / Senior Council Chair

Hockey PEI

robertmaddix@eastlink.ca