Brock University Men's Hockey Team Hosts Homecoming Game at Meridian Centre

Strategic Insights -

The Brock University men's hockey team will play their third pre-season game against the Guelph Gryphons at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, marking the 60th season of the Badgers. The game, scheduled for Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m., is part of the Steel Blade Classic, an annual exhibition game that attracts thousands of fans to celebrate the university's ties to the community and raise funds for Brock students in need. One dollar from every ticket sold will go to the Food First Program, which supports students facing food insecurity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Steel Blade Classic, now in its 26th season, is an annual exhibition game between Brock University and the Guelph Gryphons, attracting thousands of fans to Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.
  • The game, scheduled for September 19, is part of the Brock University men's hockey team's 60th season and will feature a ceremonial faceoff with Brock president and vice-chancellor Lesley Rigg and former members of the men's hockey team.
  • One dollar from every $35 ticket sold at Ticketmaster will go to the Brock University Food First Program, which supports students facing food insecurity.
  • The Steel Blade Classic is a tribute to the university's hockey history, showcasing exceptional talent and the deep ties to the Niagara community.
  • The winner of the Steel Blade Classic receives a replica of a sword that dates back to 1803 and was carried by sergeants in Royal Artillery and Upper Canada units during the War of 1812.
  • The game is organized by the Brock University Athletics department, with the help of local supporters like Ed Werner, who conceived the idea for the Steel Blade.
  • The Brock University men's hockey team is coached by T.J. Manastersky, who is returning for a fourth season as head coach.
  • The university's basketball teams will also be featured at Meridian Centre, with the Paint the Meridian Red doubleheader taking place in the downtown arena.

Statistics:

  • The Steel Blade Classic has been played for 26 years.
  • Meridian Centre has a capacity of 5,300 for hockey games and 4,030 for basketball games.
  • The game is scheduled for Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
  • One dollar from every $35 ticket sold will go to the Brock University Food First Program.
  • The Brock University men's hockey team has a 12-11-5 record in the league from the previous season.
  • The Badgers failed to make the playoffs in the previous season.

Sources:

  • The Brock University Athletics website
  • The St. Catharines Standard
  • The Niagara Falls Review
  • The Welland Tribune