Some great hockey for the whole family
Saturday, February 7, 2026, marks a remarkable milestone in Canadian hockey history — the 140th year of the legendary Carr-Harris Cup. The cross-causeway rival hockey game between the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins and the Queen's University Gaels men's hockey teams is widely regarded as the world's oldest hockey rivalry.
The origins of this storied rivalry date back to 1886, when the two institutions first met on the ice in what would become a fixture of Kingston's sporting and cultural identity. The rivalry was later formalized through the Carr-Harris Cup, named to honour Robert Carr-Harris, an influential figure instrumental in both institutions and in fostering the early spirit of competitive hockey in the region.
Robert Carr-Harris was a professor at Queen's University and an avid supporter of hockey in Kingston. He played a key role in promoting the sport during its formative years and is credited with helping to establish the friendly yet fiercely competitive spirit that defines the rivalry. The Cup bearing his name was initiated in 1986 by former Gaels player and coach Stu Crawford, hockey historian Bill Fitsell, Bill Hamilton, and Ed Grenda to commemorate 100 years of competition between Queen's and RMC — a testament to the deep-rooted history shared by the two schools.
This year, the Paladins will host the Gaels in what promises to be a thrilling Challenge Cup game at 7 p.m., shifting from its usual weekday slot to the Saturday night "Hockey Night" spot, attracting fans eager to celebrate a rivalry born over 130 years ago.
"It's a marquee game in U SPORTS Men's Hockey that brings both universities together to celebrate our sport." Queen's Men's Hockey Head Coach Brett Gibson emphasizes the game's significance. "The history and significance of the game from both universities cannot be overlooked. Alumni always remember their record in the Carr-Harris Cup and they take great pride in hoisting this trophy."
Echoing this sentiment, RMC Men's Hockey Head Coach Richard Lim noted, "It's an exciting match up for both schools, and all the players and staff are honoured every year to carry on the history of the Carr-Harris Cup."