Don Cherry shows off Newfoundland Regiment tribute jerseys

During his Coach's Corner segment on Hockey Night In Canada Saturday, Don Cherry took a moment to show off the tribute jersey worn by the St. John's IceCaps this weekendin honour of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

• IceCaps wear jerseys commemorating Beaumont-Hamel

The team wore the jerseys Friday and Saturday nightas they faced off against the Utica Comets at Mile One Stadium in St. John's.

"In the First World War they went overseas and, believe it or not folks, in one day they lost 773 guys. A whole generation was cleaned out in Newfoundland," Cherry said.

While there is some dispute over the numbers, historians agree that the loss of life following the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel was devastating.

Following the battle, 68 of the801 soldiers that made upthe First Newfoundland Regiment were able to answer roll call.More than 700 were killed, wounded or reported missing in action.

"It wasCanada Day, right. So the irony is July the first is a real sad, and a realhappy day in Newfoundland," saidRon MacLean.