Game’s 25-year history all part of Brock University’s 60th Anniversary celebration. Pictured: AJ Cook. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers
It’s truly a part of Canadian history.
Two hockey teams will battle for the Steel Blade Friday night at Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, when the Brock Badgers Men’s Hockey team host the Guelph Gryphons.
Longtime Brock supporter and avid university hockey fan Ed Werner came up with the Steel Blade concept more than two decades ago to help recognize the historical connections of Brock University and to raise the profile of the men’s hockey team.
Carried by Sergeants of the Upper Canada Artillery Units and Royal Artillery during the War of 1812, the sword is a priceless piece of Canadian history.
Friday’s game will mark 25 years since the inception of the Steel Blade Classic, a cornerstone of Brock’s Homecoming week, which includes the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations here in 2024.
Since its inception in 1999, the Steel Blade Classic has drawn thousands of fans annually, becoming a cherished tradition that reflects both Brock’s sporting excellence and its deep ties to the Niagara region.
“The Steel Blade Classic goes beyond hockey. It’s a celebration of community, pride and tradition,” Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation, told gobadgers.ca
“Every year, this event brings out the heart of our University — and of Niagara — and showcases the fierce but friendly rivalry with Guelph.”
And this year Krist has issued a friendly wager with University of Guelph Athletic Director and Brock alumnus Scott McRoberts (BSM ’02), as the losing team’s Athletic Director will wear the winner’s T-shirt, adding a playful edge to the highly anticipated showdown.
“The stakes are always high on the ice and with the added excitement of the T-shirt wager, it’s not just about winning, it’s about making lasting memories for both teams and fans alike,” Krist said.
“We can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd as this milestone game gets underway and we celebrate 60 years of Brock in the community.”
The Steel Blade Classic isn’t just about the action on the ice. Pre-game festivities, including Brock’s Fan Fest, will take place from 5 to 6:45 p.m. outside the main parking lot of Meridian Centre at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.
Fans can enjoy live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities before heading into the arena.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm and will feature Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg alongside former Brock Athletic Director the Honourable Neil Lumsden, who currently serves as Ontario’s Minister of Sport.
“The Steel Blade Classic is a rich tradition that provides an opportunity for some of our top student-athletes to showcase their skills on the ice,” said Lumsden to gobadgers.ca
“Events like this bring communities together in the spirit of competition and provide a welcome boost to the local economy as thousands of fans come to cheer on their team. Best of luck to all participants, and thank you to the organizers and volunteers for putting on this fantastic event.”
General admission tickets, available through ticketmaster.c, are $30, with $1 from each ticket supporting the Food First Program, which helps students facing food insecurity.
Brock has won 13 Steel Blade titles to date, including a 3-0 win over the Gryphons last year.
For more on the Brock Badgers visit gobadgers.ca, and for more information on Brock’s 60th anniversary celebrations, visit brocku.ca/60
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
