After weeks of speculation about its new identity, the relocated major junior hockey team from Bathurst, New Brunswick, is officially named the Newfoundland Regiment, marking its arrival to St. John’s for the 2025-26 season. The announcement, made by team president Glenn Stanford, highlighted the team's commitment to honoring the legacy of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, which played a significant role during World War I. This decision to go with the provincial regiment as its branding instead of utilizing city elements reflects deep historical ties to the region.
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment is notable for being one of Canada’s oldest military units, established in 1795, and holds the unique honor of having earned the "Royal" prefix during the First World War. Their service included participation at the Gallipoli campaign and the infamous Beaumont-Hamel battle, where they faced devastating losses. On July 1, 1916, out of 780 soldiers, only 68 men were able to respond to the roll call the following day. The new hockey team is set to epitomize the spirit of courage and unity demonstrated by these valorous soldiers.
Stanford emphasized the reasons behind naming the team the Regiment, explaining, “The name Newfoundland Regiment not only pays homage to the incredible legacy left by these brave soldiers but also embodies the values of courage, unity and resilience.” These values resonate deeply with both the modern military personnel and the hockey players aspiring to represent such qualities on the ice. Establishing this connection between hockey and the regiment's unsung heroes will serve to inspire the team and the local community alike.
The team’s logo pays tribute to this rich history by featuring the head of the Woodland Caribou, mirroring the insignia associated with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. This design choice underlines the heritage of the regiment and provides fans with visual cues to the province's military tradition. The official colors consist of "puttee blue," echoing the blue puttees worn by its first members, alongside legacy maroon and heritage tan, enveloping the team’s branding within its historical narrative.
Local government and community leaders have heralded the name change as a significant moment for the province. Premier Andrew Furey, who unveiled the name to young fans and stakeholders, expressed appreciation for its homage to Newfoundland’s military past. He stated, “The team’s name is taken from a proud page of this history of our place we call home. It celebrates who we are and what we can accomplish.”
St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen voiced his enthusiasm to welcome the new team, linking the logo and uniforms to the memory of younger generations who sacrificed for their community. “When they see this uniform and logo, they will recall those who gave up so much for what we have today,” Breen said, highlighting the significance of remembering the valor of past generations.
Part of the allure of the Newfoundland Regiment’s name is not just the homage it pays, but also the story it continues to weave. Hockey has long had ties to the military; soldiers stationed at Pleasantville during World War I found solace and camaraderie through the sport. A hockey team formed from these soldiers played exhibition games across Canada as they awaited their transport to combat. This dual legacy—of sport and service—emboldens the team’s identity.
Meanwhile, the transition from the old Acadie-Bathurst Titan brings new intrigue. Although questions remain as to whether the Newfoundland Regiment will carry over the records of the Titan franchise, the prospects of fresh statistics and achievements are palpable. With this refreshing start, the organization will certainly aim to cultivate its own identity.
The fanbase will be plentiful, considering this isn’t the first time major junior hockey has made its mark on St. John’s. The city previously supported the QMJHL's Fog Devils and the AHL's IceCaps, indicating strong local interest and enthusiasm for hockey.
Fans of the sport are encouraged to keep up with upcoming developments and pre-season plans as the team prepares for its inaugural game at the Mary Brown's Centre—a venue with historical significance itself, representing years of hockey events and excitement.
St. John’s new QMJHL team, now named the Newfoundland Regiment, will not only bring back hockey to the region, but also serve as constant reminders of the courage and duty exhibited by its namesake regiment, honoring the past and shaping the community’s future.
Scheduled to take the ice this fall, the team is positioning itself to become much more than just another junior hockey franchise; it aims to be emblematic of Newfoundland’s heritage and resilience, encouraging future generations to embrace the spirit of their ancestors.