In the game being played at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the Maple Leafs will pay tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy by wearing an all-white uniform, trimmed in blue, representing the Canadian Naval Ensign. In addition to being one of the most recognized visual identifiers of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Naval Ensign is renowned around the world as a symbol of excellence portraying the professionalism and dedication of Canadian sailors.
"The Maple Leafs have had a very long and proud association with our Armed Forces throughout the years and this special game is an important opportunity for us to not only pay tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy, but to also say thank you to the many men and women who serve our country so bravely," said Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs. "This unique uniform, to mark a unique occasion, celebrates the traditions of both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Toronto Maple Leafs and it will be a great honour for our players to wear this sweater next month."
The Maple Leafs will wear white sweaters for the first time in an outdoor game along with white helmets, socks, gloves and pants, all with blue trim. The motto of the Royal Canadian Navy, "Ready, Aye, Ready" will be featured prominently inside the collar of the Stadium Series Sweater. The team's motto of "Honour. Pride. Courage." will be featured as a tonal deboss on the top stripe of the left sleeve. The sweater also includes a special edition 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ patch on the right sleeve.
In 2010, the Maple Leafs celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy, known at the time as the 'Maritime Command', with a pre-game ceremony as part of the team's annual Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night.
Fans can be one of the first to own the new Maple Leafs Stadium Series sweater, available online today at 10 a.m. at shop.realsports.ca. The sweater will also be available for purchase in-store this morning at Real Sports Apparel at Air Canada Centre. Tickets to the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ are available for purchase via Ticketmaster.com, the official ticketing partner of the NHL®.
