2026–27 KADDAS CUP

The First Trophy Is Up for Grabs

The regular season can wait.

Before the long road to the Grover Cup begins, the ADHL has some unfinished business: the first silverware of the 2026–27 season is ready to be claimed. The Kaddas Cup is back. Four teams enter. One team leaves with the trophy. Three teams leave insisting it was basically preseason anyway.

UAE71's vs. The Godfathers

Monday, October 5 | 9:20 PM

The opening semifinal sees the UAE71's take on The Godfathers in what is already being described as a sold-out game.

For both teams, this will be the first opportunity to show their fans where they stand after an offseason filled with trades, new signings, ambitious promises and absolutely no meaningful preseason conditioning.

The UAE71's will depend heavily on star forward Shane Downie, the only player in hockey history believed to have played hockey while wearing a kilt. Alongside Downie, captain Bill Mellanby will once again lead the 71's into battle. Mellanby has earned a reputation as one of the hardest yellers in the league — a distinction appreciated by teammates, feared by opponents and monitored closely by TV executives. 

Standing in their way are The Godfathers, who arrive with their usual modest expectations: Win everything.

All eyes will be on highly anticipated rookie Jason Rauch, who makes his competitive ADHL debut surrounded by expectations normally reserved for first-round NHL draft picks and children whose fathers coach the team. The Godfathers can also count on proven goal-scoring sensation Steve Lunn, who lead his 1993-94 preschool team in goals, assists and cheek pinches — records that, according to Lunn, still stand today. The stakes became even higher earlier this week when Godfathers owner, ADHL referee coordinator and Kaddas Cup sponsor Ali Kaddas addressed his team. Kaddas reportedly delivered a short but inspirational message: "We will win my cup once again, or I cut the paychecks."

One Game. One Step Closer.

The puck drops Monday, October 5 at 9:20 PM, with a place in the Kaddas Cup Final on the line.

Will the UAE71's begin their new era with a statement victory? Will Shane Downie bring the kilt? Will Jason Rauch live up to the hype? Can Steve Lunn rediscover his preschool scoring touch? And does Ali Kaddas actually have a payroll?

We are about to find out.

An update on the second semifinal between the defending Grover Cup champions Abu Dhabi Eagles and the new-look Tropicals will follow soon.

Stay tuned. The Kaddas Cup has begun.