The new Centennial Cup unveiled

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIEMan The new Centennial Cup was unveiled Saturday in Portage la Prairie, Man., in a pre-game ceremony in a Manitoba Junior Hockey League contest between the 2020 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, host Portage Terriers and the Dauphin Kings.

Among those on hand for the unveiling was CJHL President Brent Ladds and MJHL Director of Operations Kevin Saurette.

The 50th edition of Canada’s National Junior A Championship set for May 9-17 in Portage la Prairie, Man.

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, announced earlier the event will return to its original name – the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons – 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.

“Within the CJHL, we are exceedingly excited about reactivating the Centennial Cup,” said CJHL president Brent Ladds. “It represents a cherished memory from our past and will capture the period of the RBC Cup to maintain the history of the road to the National Junior A Championship, which is so important to our members.”

The 2020 Centennial Cup represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League, Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Hockey Manitoba.

For more information on the 2020 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook or Twitter.

*Release via CJHL