Centennial Cup makes comeback

The former name of Canada’s National Junior A hockey championship is being brought back.

The 50th edition of the tournament to be held next May in Portage la Prairie, Man., Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, will mark the return to its original name – the Centennial Cup – starting in 2020.

“There is a long-standing and deep-rooted history of this event that brings together the top Junior A teams from across the country and we look forward to honouring that history by returning to the event’s original name,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “For 49 years, hockey fans from across the country have embraced this tournament, and we are excited to officially reintroduce the Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie in 2020 and celebrate the 50th edition of the event.”

In 1971, the Red Deer Rustlers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League claimed the inaugural championship and Manitoba Centennial Trophy with a win over the Charlottetown Islanders. The final Centennial Cup was awarded to the Calgary Canucks in 1995, with the tournament being re-named the Royal Bank Cup from 1996 to 2018.