The Brock University Men’s Hockey team will open its 60th season Friday at Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.
The Steel Blade Classic, a Brock Homecoming tradition now in its 26th year, annually draws thousands of fans for an unforgettable night of hockey and community pride.
The Badgers will face off against long-time rivals the Guelph Gryphons with puck drop set for 7 pm..
“As we celebrate 60 years of Brock men’s hockey, this game represents more than just a new season. It’s a tribute to decades of student-athletes, coaches and fans who’ve helped shape our program,” Brock Sports Associate Director Courtney Smith told gobadgers.ca
“The Steel Blade Classic showcases everything that makes Brock hockey special: exceptional talent and our deep ties to the Niagara community.”
What began in 1999 as a spirited match has evolved into a major spectacle for alumni, students and community members to rally behind the Badgers.
“The crowd creates a powerful atmosphere that’s truly unmatched,” said Brock men’s hockey coach TJ Manastersky. “There’s nothing quite like hearing the roar of thousands of fans as the team takes the ice. It’s a celebration of Brock, hockey and a legacy that continues to grow.”
This year, the ceremonial puck drop will feature Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg along with longtime head coach Murray Nystrom and Ed Werner, who’s family donated the sword the winning team in the classic will be awarded. .
The trophy (sword) is an 1803 pattern, non-commissioned officer’s \”hanger\” sword. This style of sword was carried by Sergeants of the Upper Canada Artillery Units and the Royal Artillery during the War of 1812.
The Badgers announced the signings of 13 new recruits recently including Niagara on the Lake’s Tai York, and Wainfleet’s Sawyer Prokopetz. Other new signees included Eric Barnard, Logan Belton, Ben Bonisteel, Stephen Calisti, Nick Domitrovic, Nathan Drapeau, Nathan Fox, Keefe Gruener, Ryan Johnstone, Patrick Raftery and Colby Saganiuk.
“I’m very excited to add this group of players to our team,” Manastersky said. “The recruiting class is a combination of first years, transfers and professional hockey experience coming from across Canada and the United States. I expect this group to add competitiveness to our line up and push our team to take a step forward this season.”
Tickets for Steel Blade are available now at Ticketmaster for $35, with $1 from every student ticket supporting Brock’s Food First Program, which helps students facing food insecurity.
Alumni VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive vantage point from the Meridian Centre’s fourth-floor lounge, featuring private bar service and complimentary stadium-style fare.
Visit gobadgers.ca for more information on the Steel Blade Classic and all things Brock Athletics including men’s hockey.
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.
