The Cup was supposedly named after Gagarin because the last possible game of the inaugural KHL season would take place on April 12, the anniversary date of Gagarin's flight.
Karikas sai Gagarini järgi nime tänu sellele, et KHL-i esimese hooaja finaalseeria viimane mäng peeti 12. aprillil, mis on Gagarini kosmoselennu tähtpäev.