With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina just months away, the wait for Team Canada's new hockey look is over. Hockey Canada has officially unveiled the two jersey sets that the men's, women's, and para hockey teams will wear as they chase gold.
A Jersey Forged in Ice and Tradition
The new kits come in two distinct versions. The first is a traditional white and red combination, a classic colour scheme that has long been associated with Canadian international hockey. The second design is a more modern take, featuring a striking red-and-black jersey that has immediately become a focal point for discussion.
In a social media post, Hockey Canada described the uniforms as "a symbol forged in ice," with every stitch intended to reflect the team's resilience and pride. The central crest on both jerseys is a maple leaf, but with a unique design inspiration. Hockey Canada stated the leaf is meant to resemble an "unbreakable diamond," mirroring the gem's ability to withstand immense pressure—a clear metaphor for the high-stakes Olympic tournament.
Fan Reaction: A Mixed Bag of Reviews
As soon as the jerseys were revealed online, fans were quick to share their opinions, resulting in a decidedly mixed reception.
The classic red-and-white uniforms were largely met with approval. One social media user called them "lowkey beautiful," while another commented that the look was "pretty badass." The sentiment for the traditional design was overwhelmingly positive.
The same cannot be said for the modern red-and-black alternate. Criticism was swift and pointed. "We don't need the black leaf," one user wrote. Another expressed confusion, stating, "I don't understand their obsession of using black." The colour choice was a particular point of contention, with one sarcastic comment noting, "I must have forgotten the part where Canada's colours are red, white and black." Some fans suggested the black-accented design would be better suited as a third, alternate jersey rather than one of the primary sets.
Despite the divided opinions on aesthetics, one comment seemed to unite everyone: "They will look great with gold around the collar."
Where to Buy and Supporting Canadian Sport
For fans wanting to own a piece of the new Olympic gear, replica jerseys are already on sale through Hockey Canada's official website. The organization confirmed that a portion of the proceeds from all jersey sales will be reinvested into winter sports programs across the country, helping to fund the next generation of Canadian athletes.
The Road to Milano-Cortina 2026
The jersey reveal comes as Team Canada begins its final preparations for the Games. Hockey Canada has already announced the first six members of the men's team, all of whom were featured in promotional material wearing the new black-on-red jerseys. The star-studded list includes Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Sam Reinhart, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brayden Point.
For McDavid, Makar, Reinhart, MacKinnon, and Point, Milano-Cortina will mark their Olympic debuts as NHL players return to the Winter Games for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Crosby, a veteran of the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 tournaments, will be looking to add another gold medal to his legendary career.
The final roster for the men's team is scheduled to be announced in January 2026. The Canadian women's team will begin its Olympic campaign on February 5, 2026, against Finland, while the men hit the ice a week later, on February 12, versus the Czech Republic. The Canadian Paralympic hockey team starts its tournament on March 7, 2026.
