The newest St. John's QMJHL hockey team now has a name — the Newfoundland Regiment

When junior hockey returns to St. John's this fall, the team that takes the ice will serve as a salute to the province's military history.

The Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League is calling the team the Newfoundland Regiment — with its name, logo and colours all drawing inspiration from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the province's legendary World War I-era infantry unit.

"The name Newfoundland Regiment not only pays homage to the incredible legacy left by these brave soldiers but also embodies the values of courage, unity and resilience. These qualities continue to be displayed by the men and women of the modern Royal Newfoundland Regiment," Glen Stanford, the team's president, wrote in a news release.

The Royal Newfoundland Regiment are remembered for their sacrifice in the First World War, and is among the oldest regiments in Canada. The unit fought in Galipoli and at Beaumont-Hamel, where it experienced devastating loss.

Of the 780 men who made the advance toward German lines on July 1, 1916 at Beaumont-Hamel, just 68 were able to answer the roll call the following day.

The Regiment also had ties to hockey before their introduction into the QMJHL. Soldiers stationed at Pleasantville formed a hockey team in 1917 while awaiting transport to England, and played exhibition games against teams from mainland Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, who unveiled the name to a crowd of young fans, stakeholders and former QMJHL players from Newfoundland and Labrador, praised the name for its celebration of the Regiment's legacy, grit and sacrifice.

"The team's name is taken from a proud page of this history of our place we call home. It celebrates who we are. It celebrates what we are capable of doing,"