The Brock Badgers are ready to put the Guelph Gryphons on ice.

For the second year in a row, the Steel Blade Classic hockey game will return to the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Friday, Sept. 15, when the Badgers men’s hockey team will take on their rivals from Guelph.

Last year this one-game, winner-take-all showdown drew a record crowd of 3,532 people who saw the Badgers edge the Gryphons in a 4-3 thriller.

This year marks the 19th edition of the Steel Blade, which has become one of the showcase events of Brock’s Homecoming weekend.

To enrich the fan experience for the 7 p.m. game, there will again be a Homecoming Tailgate Party starting at 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, across from the Meridian Centre.

The tailgate party is free and open to the public, and will feature music, a barbecue, beer tent, an interactive game from Warrior Hockey and more.

“The Homecoming Tailgate Party and the Steel Blade game have quickly become one of the biggest events on the Brock University calendar,” said Neil Lumsden, Director, Brock Sports. “Last year’s event set the tone with a record crowd and a fantastic hockey game, and we’re expecting an even bigger event this year.”

New for 2017 is the Family Zone, an end section in the Meridian Centre aimed at families with young children. There will be kid-friendly giveaways and visits from Brock mascot Boomer the Badger throughout the night.

Tickets for the Steel Blade hockey game are now available online at www.steelbladeclassic.com. Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
A limited number of free student tickets will be available from the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk in September.

About the event

Homecoming Tailgate Party

Friday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m.

Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts Parking Lot

Brock Badgers vs. Guelph Gryphons Steel Blade Classic Hockey Game

Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

Meridian Centre