It’s game on for the Kitchener Rangers in their bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup.

The Ontario Hockey League franchise will officially battle the Guelph Storm, Niagara IceDogs and Kingston Frontenacs for the right to host junior hockey’s marquee event.

The quartet of clubs all applied by the Canadian Hockey League’s Aug. 15 deadline.

It’s the first step in securing the rights to the 10-day tournament, which features the host city and the champions from the OHL, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

Teams had to address business operations, local atmosphere-community engagement, event logistics and hockey operations as part of the initial application.

Two finalists will be notified next week. They will then submit a more formal bid that includes a site visit

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