The Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers are angling to raise money and awareness for a local charity with a new alternate identity that they’ll use later this month.
On Saturday, March 15, the Blazers will take the ice as the Thompson River Fighting Trout for their home game against the Kelowna Rockets. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds benefitting the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
The Blazers unveiled their Fighting Trout jerseys on Thursday, February 27. They have a blue base, teal and yellow stripes around the waist and each arm, and a teal collar.
The front of the jersey features Kami the Fish, a locally famous mascot that first appeared in 1967 and was recently revived by the Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce. The green trout is wearing a yellow cowboy hat while holding a hockey stick in front of a water splash. A “Fighting Trout” wordmark sits underneath.
“Kami the Fish has been a symbol of Kamloops’ spirit and hospitality for decades, and we’re thrilled to see this beloved Kamloops icon swimming back into the spotlight for this special game night. The Fighting Trout rebrand is a fun and creative way to celebrate our city’s connection to our rivers, history, and community pride. We can’t wait to see fans rally behind this one-of-a-kind event!”
—Acacia Pangilinan, Executive Director, Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce
Names and numbers on the back and sleeves of the jerseys are one-colour white. The socks that are paired with the jerseys are blue with a striping pattern that matches the sleeves.
The game-worn jersey auction is already accepting bids, and it closes at 9 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 16. If you miss out on those, though, limited edition Fighting Trout merchandise will be available at the Blazers Store on game night.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was formed in 2003, and it works to fund research, conservation and education programs across British Columbia while also improving angler access and running the provincial stocking program.
“We feel very fortunate to be chosen as the funding recipient for this game. Kamloops is blessed with great fisheries and passionate anglers; this partnership will help us provide additional support to grow and develop the local fishing community.”
—Jenna Merth, Outreach Coordinator, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Fish-based alternate identities are nothing new to the WHL. In fact, on New Year’s 2025, the Prince Albert Raiders and Brandon Wheat Kings took the ice as the Lake Diefenbaker Slough Sharks and the Wheat City Walleye, respectively, to compete for the first-ever Saskatchewan/Manitoba Fishing Derby trophy.
