We could learn if Kamloops will host the 2023 Memorial Cup in a matter of weeks.

That is according to Kamloops Blazers majority owner, Tom Gaglardi, who says the plans are “fluid” at this time.

“Plenty of conversations going back and forth. The City of Kamloops is engaged and so far, the City has been fantastic,” Gaglardi said during Saturday’s Blazers broadcast on Radio NL.

“They’re walking the talk in terms of how badly they want to see the Memorial Cup return. Everybody in the organization has their fingers and toes crossed that we’re going to win this thing and we’ll stay with it. The conversations are productive. They’ve positive and so we’re hoping for a great outcome.”

The Kamloops Blazers last hosted and won the Memorial Cup in 1995 – their third title in four seasons.

Gaglardi says the Canadian Hockey League continues to evaluate both the City of Kamloops and the Sandman Centre as potential host venues.

“It has got great bones. It is a great junior building. It is the right size for the event,” he said.

“We want to sell out. We want there to be scarcity for tickets and this is the right venue. It is the right market. If there are shortcomings with the arena, they’re fixable. It is the technological things and there are easy solutions for them.”

A Blazers bid for the 2020 Memorial Cup fell short, with the Kelowna Rockets beating out bids from both Kamloops and Lethbridge to host the event, which was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Memorial Cup, which was set to be hosted by the Ontario Hockey League in either Oshawa or Sault Ste. Marie, was also cancelled.

The Blazers currently have their eyes set on a potential berth at the 2022 Memorial Cup hosted by the St. John Sea Dogs in New Brunswick. They currently lead their first round playoff series over Spokane two games to none.

– With files form Jon Keen