Badgers past and present will cheer on the Brock men’s hockey team when the puck drops at the University’s marquee Homecoming sports event next month.

A celebration of hometown hockey and Brock tradition, the 27th annual Steel Blade Classic will see the Brock Badgers face off against the Guelph Gryphons on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.

“The Steel Blade Classic is one of the signature events for the Brock Badgers and exemplifies the strong connection between Brock Sports and Recreation and the Niagara community,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation. “This annual tradition provides our student-athletes with an unforgettable opportunity while bringing fans together to celebrate the excitement and spirit of university sport.”

The Steel Blade Classic has remained rooted in its ties to the local community since it launched in 1999 as a one-game showdown between Brock and Niagara University at the Thorold Arena.

That tie to the Niagara region is especially meaningful for second-year Computer Science student Ben Bonisteel, who completed his first season as a goalie for the Badgers last year.

“Whenever you play in front of a large crowd, there’s a natural energy that comes with it,” he said. “Playing in a game with so many supporters just 15 minutes from my childhood home is extra special. Not only do we compete alongside our teammates, but I get to have more friends, family and fellow students at Steel Blade than at most other games in the year.”

Tickets for the Steel Blade Classic are now available at Ticketmaster for $35.

As part of Homecoming, Brock alumni are invited to attend and purchase an Alumni ticket, which features exclusive VIP access to the Alumni Club Level fourth-floor lounge, including premium bird’s-eye view seating, exclusive access to a private bar and complimentary club-level food offerings.