Steele Mazda named presenting sponsor of 2026 U SPORTS University Cup
U SPORTS announced today that Steele Mazda has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2026 U SPORTS University Cup, to be held at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, N.S.
The partnership marks a return to U SPORTS national championships for the Steele Automotive Group, which previously served as presenting sponsor of the 2023 U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Final 8.
The 2026 University Cup presented by Steele Mazda is hosted by Saint Mary’s University in conjunction with Sports and Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A) and partners Acadia University, Dalhousie University and STFX University. It is the first of three consecutive years that Halifax hosts U SPORTS national championships, reinforcing the city’s continued role as a host of major university events.
The University Cup is U SPORTS’ national championship for men’s hockey, bringing together the eight best men’s varsity hockey teams from across the country to compete for the David Johnston University Cup. The eight-game single-elimination tournament culminates with the hoisting of the championship trophy on Sunday, March 22. The championship field features the host Huskies, who, along with a pair of Atlantic University Sport (AUS) teams will face three universities from Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and two from Canada West in the four-day event.
As presenting sponsor, Steele Mazda will receive integrated brand presence across championship signage, digital platforms and on-site activations throughout the tournament. Their financial contributions will significantly enrich fan experience through major activations such as the "Shoot 2 Win" intermission contest. Other contributions such as a decaled Mazda CX-5 will strengthen marketing initiatives such as the U CUP Community Trophy Tour."
QUOTES
“Steele Auto Group’s continued support of U SPORTS reflects a shared commitment to Canadian student-athletes and to delivering national championships that highlight the highest level of university hockey. We are thrilled to have Steele Mazada join us as presenting sponsor of the 2026 University Cup.”
- Pierre Arsenault, Chief Executive Officer, U SPORTS
"Steele Mazda is proud to sponsor the University Cup, supporting an event that showcases the dedication, talent, and competitive spirit of student-athletes from across the country. This event brings together the best young players for fast-paced, high-skill competition, and we’re honoured to help make it happen. We congratulate all participating teams and look forward to an incredible, hard-fought championship."
- Dana Simonsen, General Manager, Steele Mazda
“Thanks to the support of great local partners like Steele Mazda, we are able to highlight this national event while bringing the community together, on and off the ice. This partnership exemplifies the Atlantic Canadian culture that we are proud to share with Canada through sport.”
- Scott Gray, Director of Athletics & Recreation, Saint Mary’s University