Toronto Maple Leafs pay tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy

Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, centre, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Command Chief Petty Officer Michel Vigneault, right, accept a framed version of the new RCN Stadium Series Sweater from Toronto Maple Leafs alumnus Darryl Sittler.

Darlene Blakely, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~

The Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club paid tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recently when it unveiled a Stadium Series Sweater designed for its outdoor game against the Washington Capitals at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on March 3.

The Leafs will wear 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 RCN, the Canadian Naval Ensign is a symbol of excellence portraying the professionalism and dedication of Canadian sailors who deploy around the world.

“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 RCN, but to also say thank you to the many men and women who serve our country so bravely,” team president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement. “This unique uniform, to mark a unique occasion, celebrates the traditions of both the RCN and the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it will be a great honour for our players to wear this sweater.”

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 RCN, “Ready, Aye, Ready”, will be featured prominently inside the collar of the sweater. The Maple Leafs’ inspiring “Honour. Pride. Courage.” will appear on the top stripe of the left sleeve.

Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, said he was “simply blown away” by the Maple Leafs’ new RCN jersey, which was unveiled in Toronto Feb.10 by Maple Leafs alumnus Darryl Sittler at the Leafs game against the Ottawa Senators.

“This jersey is a winner and a phenomenal tribute to the men and women of the RCN,” VAdm Lloyd said. “A special thank you to the Maple Leafs for all the work they did to make this jersey a reality. Bravo Zulu!”