Canada Will be Forced To Wear Generic IIHF Designed Jerseys At The World Championships

Team Canada will not be allowed to wear their new jerseys, debuted in pre-tournament action against USA due to an ongoing conflict between the IIHF and Hockey Canada surrounding commercial rights and jersey deals.

The result will see Canada's national women's team wearing generic IIHF designed jerseys at the 2026 World Championships which open November 6 in Denmark.

"Due to ongoing discussions with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) relating to the commercial rights of its Member National Associations, Hockey Canada has been advised that our National Women's Team must wear a jersey designed by the IIHF and its jersey supplier at the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship," Hockey Canada wrote.

"While we have yet to see the jersey Canada will be playing in on Friday, our team remains focused on the tournament and representing our country proudly on and off the ice."

The IIHF signed a contract with TRUE Hockey in 2025 to become the "exclusive supplier of team uniforms and apparel for all IIHF Member National Associations for all international events." In a Swiss court-ruling involving Hockey Canada and the IIHF on Sept. 16, the design of the generic IIHF-designed jerseys were shown in official court documents.

Hockey Canada has a contract with Bauer Hockey for their jerseys.

USA Hockey is in a similar situation and could be forced to wear generic IIHF designed jerseys as well.

Disclaimer: W. Graeme Roustan, owner of TRUE Hockey, owns The Hockey News