When the puck drops at the Meridian Centre on Friday, Sept. 20, it will do more than signal the start of a hometown hockey game.

The symbolic moment will mark 25 years since the inception of the Steel Blade Classic — a cornerstone of Brock’s Homecoming celebrations — while also reflecting on the University’s 60th anniversary.

The Brock Badgers men’s hockey team will usher in the electric atmosphere the event is known for when they face off against the Guelph Gryphons at 7 p.m.

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,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation. “Every year, this event brings out the heart of our University — and of Niagara — and showcases the fierce but friendly rivalry with Guelph.”

In a fun twist, Krist has issued a friendly wager to University of Guelph Athletic Director and Brock alumnus Scott McRoberts (BSM ’02). 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 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.

The opening puck drop ceremony 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. “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.ca — are $30, with $1 from each sale supporting the Food First Program, which helps students facing food insecurity.

With 13 Steel Blade titles to their name, the Badgers are eager to defend their legacy and claim the sword-shaped trophy that symbolizes both sporting excellence and the historical ties to the War of 1812.

For more information on Brock’s 60th anniversary celebrations, visit brocku.ca/60