Brock University Men's Hockey Team Returns to Meridian Centre for Steel Blade Classic

Strategic Insights -

The Brock University men's hockey team will once again call Meridian Centre home for their Steel Blade Classic game against the Guelph Gryphons on Friday, September 19. This marks the 26th season of the Steel Blade Classic, an annual exhibition game that attracts thousands of fans to the downtown arena. The event is not only a celebration of Brock hockey but also a tribute to the university's history and ties to the Niagara community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Steel Blade Classic has been held annually since 1999, with the game taking place at Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.
  • One dollar from every $35 ticket sold at Ticketmaster will go to Brock's Food First Program, which supports students facing food insecurity.
  • The game features the Brock University men's hockey team battling the Guelph Gryphons, a familiar foe in the Ontario University Athletics conference, for bragging rights and a replica of a sword used in the War of 1812.
  • Brock alumni, students, and hockey fans in the community have made the Steel Blade Classic a must-attend event on their calendars, with thousands of fans attending each year.
  • The game sees a rivalry between the Badgers and Gryphons, with the Badgers compiling a 2-1 record against Guelph in the regular season last year.
  • The winner of the Steel Blade Classic will receive 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.
  • Brock opens the men's hockey pre-season with back-to-back games this weekend, visiting Western on Friday night in London and hosting Windsor the following afternoon.
  • Paint the Meridian Red, a doubleheader featuring the men's and women's basketball teams, was first played at the downtown arena in 2015.

Statistics:

  • Capacity at Meridian Centre for hockey is 5,300 and for basketball is 4,030.
  • The Steel Blade Classic has been played at Meridian Centre since its inception in 1999.
  • One dollar from every $35 ticket sold will go to Brock's Food First Program, which supports students facing food insecurity.
  • The replica sword used in the War of 1812 dates back to 1803.

Sources:

  • The Brock University Athletics website, as reported in a story by Courtney Smith, Brock Sports associate director.
  • Bernd Franke, regional sports editor for the St. Catharines Standard, Niagara Falls Review, Welland Tribune (Bernd.Franke @niagaradailies.com)
  • T.J. Manastersky, head coach of the Brock University men's hockey team (personal interview)