2019 - Halifax finished 1st in their division (49-15-2-2) in the Regular Season and lost in 6 Games to the QMJHL champs Rouyn-Noranda and lost the Memorial Cup Final to them as well.
2018 - Regina lost in the Memoria Cup final to Acadie-Bathhurst. They finished 3rd in their division (40-26-5) and lost in first round to WHL Champion Swift Current.
2017 - Windsor Spitfires won the Memorial Cup against the OHL Champion Erie Otters after finishing 2nd in their division (41-19-5-3) and losing to London in the first round of the playoffs.
2016 - Red Deer Rebels lost in the semi-final of the Memorial Cup. They finished second in the division by one point (45-21-1-2)and lost to WHL Champions Brandon in the Western Conference final.
2015 - Quebec Remparts lost in the semi-final of the Memorial Cup. They finished second in the division (40-25-1-2) ad lost the QMJHL Final in game 7.
In the last 5 years, the worst host team at the Memorial Cup had 25 regular season losses and was 15 wins over .500. The Rockets have 30 games left in the regular season with a 21-14-1-2 record. They *should* get more wins in the 2nd half. But, I can't see them being better than the Remparts.
I did think the Blazers who applied to host were more deserving as far as on-ice competition went. But, Kelowna clearly rewarded more recent on-ice success.
I still hold the dream of Kamloops knocking Kelowna out of the WHL playoffs and winning the Mem. Cup on their ice, though.