Trois-Rivières hosts University Cup for the first time in 43 years
The U SPORTS men’s hockey championship returns to la Belle Province for the fourth time in its 62-year history when the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) and Ville de Trois-Rivières host the 2027 University Cup.
Trois-Rivières and UQTR hosted the 1984 championship at the Colisée Jean-Guy-Talbot, but the state-of-the-art Colisée Vidéotron will be the venue for the eight (8) game tournament in March 2027.
“Trois-Rivières is the textbook definition of a university hockey town,” said U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Arsenault. Fans and businesses in the Mauricie region have supported U SPORTS hockey for years, and it’s our pleasure to bring the championship back after a more than four-decade absence. The backing of the City, particularly Mayor Jean Lamarche, Tourisme Trois-Rivières, the Trois-Rivières Lions hockey club and Colisée Vidéoton played an essential role in awarding the tournament to UQTR.”
The 63rd edition of the U SPORTS men’s hockey championship pits the eight best Canadian university men’s hockey teams in a single-game elimination tournament for the right to hoist the David Johnson University Cup, first awarded in 1963. The trophy was renamed in honour of David Johnston, Canada’s 28th governor general in 2018.
QUOTES
Isabelle La Vergne, Athletic Director – UQTR
It is a tremendous honour for UQTR and the City of Trois-Rivières to host Canada’s best university hockey teams in 2027. We look forward to providing teams and fans alike with an incredible experience that reflects the pride and passion of our city. This event is made possible with the amazing support of our partners including the City of Trois-Rivières, Innovation and Development Trois-Rivières and the Trois-Rivières Lions hockey club. We know that the University Cup will highlight our region’s passion for hockey, hospitality, knowing the legacy of the event will impact generations of athletes.
Marc-Étienne Hubert, Head Coach – UQTR Patriotes
Hosting the 2027 University Cup is incredible for our program and for hockey in Trois-Rivières. It’s the type of event that galvanizes a region, bringing together fans by our common passion for hockey. This is a tremendous opportunity to recognize the Patriotes success in recent years. To host the championship is not just a boost to our student-athletes and Patriotes program but for university hockey across our region and province.
Christiaén Blanchette, President– UQTR
After more than four decades, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières is proud to welcome back the U SPORTS men’s hockey championship. This marquee event demonstrates our university’s commitment to university sport and underscores the pivotal role we play in the region. We have committed to providing student-athletes, coaches and fans with an unforgettable experience and we know that with the help of our partners, the 2027 University Cup will reflect the culture of our university and community and that Trois-Rivières will shine on this national stage.
René Martin, City Councillor, Carrefours Ward – Trois-Rivières
The UQTR Patriotes are an important part of the cultural fabric of Trois-Rivières, representing our City with pride, passion and excellence for decades. Patriotes student-athletes are role models for young hockey players in our region through their implication in the minor our local hockey system. With state of the art facilities like the Colisée Vidéotron, the City is positioned to be a major player in the sports tourism industry and hosting the prestigious University Cup demonstrates that our City is a sports destination of choice. We’re looking forward to cheering on our “Pats” as they raise the University Cup in 2027.
The 2025 U SPORTS University Cup is March 20-23 in Ottawa. All games will be broadcast on CBC/Radio-Canada Sports digital platforms. The gold medal game will be broadcast in French on TVA Sports. Tickets for this year’s championship are available for purchase at USPORTSTickets.ca.
The 2026 University Cup will be contested at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, NS.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of the championship logos and ticket information in January 2025. For more exciting updates as UQTR prepares to welcome the best in Canadian university men’s hockey, visit USPORTS.ca.
Facility and event photos are available for download at USPORTSMedia.ca.