The Victoria Royals are once again bringing the community together to celebrate and honour the Canadian Armed Forces as they face the Kelowna Rockets tonight at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
This year’s Military Appreciation Night carries extra meaning. The evening will pay tribute to base hockey and honour the late Lieutenant Commander Bill Ansell for his contributions to both the Canadian Armed Forces and the city of Victoria.
“This year’s event is focused on a celebration of base hockey, honouring the late Lieutenant Commander Bill Ansell and his contributions to both the Canadian Armed Forces and Victoria as a whole,” said Brett Vestby, Senior Manager of Operations and Development for the Royals.
The team’s annual tribute night first began in 2011 as part of a charity game supporting the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign fund, before evolving into a full theme night the following year.
Related: Victoria Royals to don special jerseys for Military Appreciation Night this Friday
“The goal is to celebrate and honour the history of the Canadian Armed Forces in Victoria along with those who have served,” Vestby said.
“With Victoria hosting CFB Esquimalt, the city is deeply rooted in military history and community connection.”
Fans attending tonight’s game can expect a range of interactive displays and performances both inside and outside the arena.
Military branches such as the Fleet Diving Unit, Base Fire Department, Military Police Unit, 39 Service Battalion, and 5th Field Artillery will have activations outside Gate 1, featuring vehicles, activities, and Sparky’s Fun House for families.
Inside, guests will find more displays from the 443 Squadron Air Force, Canadian Submarine Force, and 5th Field Artillery, along with performances from the Canadian Scottish Regiment and Naden Band Vocalist Petty Officer Second Class Cindy Hawchuk, who will perform the national anthem.
Supporters can also take part in the 50/50 raffle benefiting the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre, or purchase Chuck-A-Pucks to support the 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiments Army Cadet Corps.
Tickets for the 50/50 draw can be purchased both in person and online.
The Royals will take the ice wearing custom military-inspired jerseys designed in collaboration with CFB Esquimalt.
“We have an amazing in-house graphic designer who worked closely with CFB Esquimalt on the design,” Vestby explained.
“The jersey incorporates a lot of military elements to celebrate the service of the Canadian Armed Forces, while also including homages to the Tritons and Blues Base Hockey programs.”
Bids for the jerseys are already open, with proceeds going to support the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre.
Vestby said the strong turnout from local military families this year reflects the community’s connection to the event.
“We’re seeing a particularly high number of military personnel attending the game, which is a great indicator of our partnership and an amazing opportunity to honour the Canadian Armed Forces.”
CAF Appreciation Night remains one of the Royals’ most meaningful games of the year, with players, fans, and military members coming together to show gratitude for those who serve.
“The Canadian Armed Forces night represents a meaningful opportunity for our team and our city to come together in a shared expression of gratitude,” said Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Joey Poljanowski.
“We are proud to honour the service of the Canadian Armed forces and their families. We are privileged to have such strong partnerships in Victoria with Armed Forces and to host an evening that brings people together in support of those who serve.”
Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. tonight, with the Royals and Rockets meeting again tomorrow night at 4:05 p.m. for the second game of the back-to-back series.
The Royals currently sit atop the BC Division standings, tied with the Penticton Vees at 19 points, while the Rockets hold sixth place with a 5-5-1-1 record.
It’s shaping up to be a night of pride, gratitude, and great hockey in Victoria.
Grab your tickets here!
The Royals have teamed up with @whitbywatchco to auction off a team signed jersey & watch with all proceeds going to the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre💚
Place your bids on DASH now! https://t.co/tt74HTjVUb pic.twitter.com/uGOEEHLuX9
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) November 7, 2025
Victoria Royals vs. Kelowna Rockets double header
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Friday, November 7th – 7:05 p.m.
- Saturday, November 8th – 4:05 p.m.
