CAPE BRETON, N.S. – With a new name and colours for the 2019-20 season, the Sydney Rush, known as the Cape Breton Tradesmen since 2006-07, are looking ahead after being selected to host the 2021 TELUS Cup. The 48th edition of Canada’s National Midget Championship is set for April 19-25, 2021 at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre.

The 2021 TELUS Cup represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, Hockey Nova Scotia, the Rush and the volunteer host organizing committee, which made the announcement Wednesday in Cape Breton.

The Rush will be joined by five regional champions – Atlantic, Central, Pacific, Quebec and West – as the team looks to capture its first national title. The Rush, which has gone through four name changes since the team’s inception as a Midget AAA hockey club, had its best finish in the tournament in 1982 when the Cape Breton Colonels finished with the bronze medal.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be selected as the host team for the 2021 TELUS Cup,” said Walter Rutherford, team president and host committee member. “I am excited for the players who will be on our 2020-21 team, as they will have an opportunity to compete for a national championship. I’m also excited for our community to host fans from across the country and to have them experience the outstanding tradition of Cape Breton hospitality.”

The Atlantic Region’s lone championship came in 2017 when the Cape Breton West Islanders defeated the Blizzard du Séminaire Saint-François in overtime to capture the TELUS Cup. The region has also earned two silver medals and five bronze.

Nova Scotia has hosted Canada’s National Midget Championship three times, with Halifax (1981), Dartmouth (1992) and New Glasgow (1997) serving as host when the event was known as the Air Canada Cup.

“Membertou is thrilled to host the 2021 TELUS Cup at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre,” said Chief Terry Paul of the Membertou First Nation. “Welcoming participants from across Canada is both exciting and rewarding for our community. We look forward to working alongside the host committee to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players on and off the ice in 2021.”

A key component with all of Hockey Canada’s national championships is leaving a lasting legacy to support hockey at the grassroots level long after the tournament has ended. The net proceeds from all ticket sales, sponsorship and grants at the event will stay within the community to help grow the game locally. The economic impact on the host communities of recent editions of the TELUS Cup has neared $2 million over the seven-day event.

The schedule and ticket information for the 2021 TELUS Cup will be announced at a later date.

For more information on the 2021 TELUS Cup, please visit, HockeyCanada.ca/TELUSCup, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.