Memorial Cup makes grand arrival; Sea Dogs' commemorative jersey unveiled

SAINT JOHN - It's officially official: the 2022 Memorial Cup is underway.

The Memorial Cup trophy made a grand entrance on Sunday afternoon in uptown Saint John, landing on a coast guard boat via helicopter before being paraded down Water Street to the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village.

The rain held off once the trophy reached land. A great crowd was on hand to welcome the prestigious piece of hardware, the four competing teams and dignitaries. 

The #MemorialCup is OFFICIALLY in Saint John! 🚁🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZAXygXw5k3

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 19, 2022 

The afternoon got rolling with the Memorial Cup being flown around the Saint John Harbour by a helicopter. Eventually the trophy was placed in a coast boat and taken to land.

Not sure what they were expecting for crowd size but this is wild. pic.twitter.com/EAVodyJIwo

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) June 19, 2022

From there, the trophy began its parade. The parade included bagpipes (obviously), military vehicles, youth from around the city, Kia vehicles, Fleaburn on a unicycle (?) and four city buses carry the players of the competing teams.

Once the trophy arrived at the Container Village, there were speeches from local politicians, the Host Committee, CHL and Kia.

Later on, four separate hype videos were played promoting each team. There were quite a few boos for Shawinigan.

After a speech from Saint John Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie, the Sea Dogs' military themed jersey was unveiled. The jersey will be worn by the Sea Dogs in Monday night's tournament opener.

Great to have 2011 #MemorialCup winner, and @SJSeaDogs alumnus, Mike Thomas in attendance to show off the team's commemorative jersey! pic.twitter.com/1psZcVsiIS

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 19, 2022

From the CHL website:

The jersey design was based off of the HMCS Brunswicker badge. With the onset of the Second World War, the division became the primary recruiting and training establishment of the RCN in the province of New Brunswick. As the war progressed, the division was commissioned Nov. 1, 1941, as HMCS Brunswicker, named for a pre-confederation provincial government vessel of the War of 1812.

The game-worn jerseys will be available to purchase via auction beginning at 9 a.m. The auction will conclude at 11:59 p.m., June 29. All proceeds will go to the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust.

The Memorial Cup host team has worn a military themed jersey in their tournament opening game dating back to 2008.

Memorial Cup events continue Monday with the opening of Fan Fest and the Bash on the Bay concert series. There will also be two Speaker Series sessions in the Market Square Atrium. Of course, the games begin as well with the Sea Dogs hosting the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7 p.m.