Fans are ready to pack the stands as Brock University’s signature event of the season returns to the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines next month.

The 23rd annual Steel Blade Classic will see the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team face off against the Guelph Gryphons on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

“The Steel Blade Classic is an unforgettable experience. This game takes place in the heart of the community and is the premier hockey showcase in the Niagara region,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation. “The electrifying atmosphere makes it the ultimate school spirit event for students, alumni, families, faculty and staff.”

Tickets will go on sale Monday, Aug. 14 on ticketmaster.ca at 10 a.m.

General admission Lower Bowl tickets are $30 each, with $1 from each ticket donated to the Food First Program — a partnership between the Brock University Students’ Union, the Graduate Students’ Association and Brock University.

Back by popular demand, Brock Alumni Relations will be hosting the Alumni VIP Section on the Club Level of the Meridian Centre. Tickets for alumni, which include access to a private bar and complimentary snacks (while supplies last), are $35 and can be purchased through the Brock Homecoming website. A limited number of tickets for this section will also be available to community members through Ticketmaster for $40 for adults and $20 for children aged three to 12.

There will also be a Signature Series combo ticket available for $40, which grants access to both Steel Blade and Paint the Meridian Red on Nov. 25, which marks the return of the Badgers men’s and women’s basketball teams to the Meridian Centre for the first time since 2020.

“What an exciting opportunity to honour the history of Brock University and its connection to the Niagara region,” said Brock men’s hockey head coach T.J. Manastersky. “The Steel Blade Classic is the most thrilling game day experience in U SPORTS, and we are fortunate to host this remarkable event.”

The Steel Blade winner hoists a one-of-a-kind championship trophy: a sword donated by the Werner family.

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.

Last year, the Badgers overcame the Gryphons by a score of 6-2 to win their 13th Steel Blade title.

Brock forward Jacob Roach, a second-year Sport Management student, found the back of the net during that game. He recalled the crowd’s excitement.

“I had the opportunity to play in my first Steel Blade game last year and it was one of the best experiences of my hockey career,” said Roach, who previously played for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. “It’s a high-energy game and the crowd atmosphere brings a unique experience unlike any other game. We are fortunate to play in front of our fellow students. It’s an event we all have circled on our calendars.”