Kelowna Rockets to honour Royal Canadian Legion with commemorative Memorial Cup jersey
Photo by Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
KELOWNA, B.C. — The host Kelowna Rockets will open the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota wearing a commemorative jersey honouring the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion.
Kelowna will debut the special sweater Friday night against the OHL champion Kitchener Rangers at Prospera Place, continuing a Memorial Cup tradition that dates back to 2008.
The jersey design was inspired by the Royal Canadian Mint’s proof silver dollar recognizing the Legion’s centennial year and incorporates themes tied to remembrance, service, and legacy. A central crest based on the commemorative coin artwork serves as the focal point of the design.
Additional detailing includes the words “Honouring Kelowna Veterans” stitched into the neckline as part of a tribute to veterans from the local community.
“As The Royal Canadian Legion marks its 100th anniversary, we are deeply honoured to be recognized through this year’s Memorial Cup tribute,” Dominion President Berkley Lawrence said in a statement released by the CHL.
The commemorative sweater also remains closely tied to the Rockets’ identity, featuring a black, red, and teal colour palette inspired by both the club’s current branding and its 30th anniversary jersey.
All game-worn jerseys from Friday’s opener will be auctioned online, with proceeds supporting the Legion’s Poppy Fund, which assists veterans and their families.
The Memorial Cup itself carries historic ties to remembrance. First awarded in 1919 following the First World War, the trophy was originally created to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for Canada. In 2010, the Memorial Cup was rededicated to all fallen Canadian military personnel.
The 2026 Memorial Cup marks the tournament’s return to Kelowna for the first time since 2004, when the Rockets captured the national championship on home ice. Alongside Kelowna, this year’s field includes the WHL champion Everett Silvertips, OHL champion Kitchener Rangers, and QMJHL champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens.