Brock’s campus was buzzing with excitement as the Badgers women’s hockey team played host to the Chinese national women’s hockey team on Thursday, Oct. 5.

This visit culminated in a friendly exhibition game in front of 1,200 enthusiastic fans at Canada Games Park.

The match featured back-and-forth action, with the Badgers storming back to win 5-4 in overtime.

Rui Zhu of Team China netted a hat trick in the third period to give her team a 4-3 lead before Brock tied the game up with 20 seconds remaining. Second-year forward Jenna Duarte scored the game-winning goal.

“This game means a lot to us on the international stage, bringing accomplishment and humility. Both teams are grateful for this opportunity, and I hope they leave with a sense of achievement,” said Brock women’s hockey head coach Margot Page. “Elite hockey demands years of sacrifice. This match is a tough test for us as we head into a competitive season. It’s a source of pride for our coaches and me to be here, recognizing the players’ dedication.”

To symbolize the enduring relationship between the two hockey teams, a Skyline Honeylocust tree was planted on campus between Canada Games Park and the south side of Isaac Brock Boulevard before the game.

Both hockey teams were in attendance alongside members from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, including Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo, Consul (Counsellor for Cultural Affairs) Hu Xiao and Vice-Consul Guo Jian, who also received a tour of campus earlier in the day.

“Sport has a way of bringing people together,” said Brock’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Lynn Wells. “We are thrilled to have planted this tree to forever commemorate this same spirt of friendship and sportsmanship that has brought the Chinese national women’s ice hockey team here to Brock University. What we have seen today is a special celebration of both friendship and camaraderie.”

Welcoming the delegation from China was a strong collaboration between multiple units across the University, including Brock Sports, Brock International, Goodman School of Business and Recruitment.

“This day encompasses so much more than sports. It symbolizes the forging of relationships and the celebration of cultural exchange, and underscores Brock’s commitment to being an institution that highly esteems global connections and engagement,” said Anna Guo, Associate Director, International Student Recruitment. “This is a testament to Brock University’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters understanding and collaboration among individuals from all corners of the world.”

Brock’s Recruitment team welcomed more than 300 international high school students from China. They toured campus and enjoyed a presentation by Recruitment and the Goodman School of Business, which included current Brock international students from China speaking about their experiences living and learning at the University.

Currently, Brock maintains active partnerships with five institutions in China. During the 2022-23 academic year, a total of 589 students from China chose Brock University for their undergraduate and graduate studies, a testament to the institution’s reputation and welcoming atmosphere.