During this year's world women's hockey championship, Canadian hockey players will notably lack the traditional emblem of the Maple Leaf on their jerseys. This decision comes as both Canada and the United States have been instructed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to don generic jerseys, which are designed by the IIHF and its exclusive jersey supplier, True Hockey.
The tournament is set to commence on Friday in Denmark, and images from the event have already surfaced. A photo shared by the IIHF on its Facebook page shows Canada’s goaltender Kayle Osborne sporting a plain red jersey that features minimal design elements. The jersey prominently displays the word “Canada” in white block letters across the chest. Below this, a white collar complements a red map of Canada, while red and black horizontal stripes are placed between two white stripes near the lower portion of the sleeves and the torso.
The IIHF had announced its partnership with True Hockey last October, highlighting that the company would become the “exclusive supplier of team uniforms and apparel for all IIHF member national associations for all international events” starting from the 2026-27 season. This arrangement has caused contention, especially since Hockey Canada and USA Hockey each have their own apparel contracts with Bauer and CCM, respectively. Both national hockey associations are currently challenging the IIHF’s decision in a court situated in Switzerland.
The decision to not feature the iconic Maple Leaf was somewhat anticipated. A ruling from a Zurich court on September 16 denied Hockey Canada’s attempt to temporarily halt the IIHF's collaboration with True Hockey. The court determined that the proposed generic jersey did not incorporate any of Hockey Canada’s protected trademarks. Notably, the Maple Leaf is part of 11 out of the 12 trademarks cited in the court case and is present in eight of the organization’s official marks.
In its ruling, the court noted that the IIHF had guaranteed that it would not utilize those protected marks without consent. Additionally, it stated that Hockey Canada would have the opportunity to take part in the jersey design process. However, the ruling addressed only interim measures, leaving the broader commercial rights dispute unresolved. According to IIHF bylaws, the organization retains final approval over jersey designs.
Meanwhile, Hockey Canada has launched a new jersey in collaboration with Bauer. This new design features the national organization’s logo, which showcases a silhouette of a hockey player skating in front of a red and black Maple Leaf. As the tournament kicks off, Canada will face Sweden in its opening game on Friday.
