{"id":95852,"date":"2024-09-20T22:38:27","date_gmt":"2024-09-21T02:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=95852"},"modified":"2024-09-21T00:00:26","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T04:00:26","slug":"brock-tradition-and-pride-take-spotlight-at-steel-blade-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2024\/09\/brock-tradition-and-pride-take-spotlight-at-steel-blade-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock tradition and pride take spotlight at Steel Blade Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Brock Badgers may not have claimed the trophy, but they put on a spirited display in front of 4,300 fans at the annual Steel Blade Classic.<\/p>\n

Despite a 6-2 loss to the Guelph Gryphons on Friday night at the Meridian Centre, the event \u2014 which marked 25 years since its inception \u2014 remained a memorable celebration of Brock\u2019s Homecoming<\/a>, its community spirit and the University\u2019s 60th anniversary<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Brock\u2019s annual Steel Blade Classic hockey game welcomed 4,300 fans to the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Friday, Sept. 20.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThis event is a cornerstone for our University,\u201d said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about the game, it\u2019s about bringing the entire Brock community together. Tonight\u2019s atmosphere showed the incredible support and passion our school has.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brock struck first just 2:40 into the game when Zach Stringer tipped a point shot from Jacob Hoffrogge on the power play, sending the crowd into an early frenzy. But Guelph quickly responded, with Anthony Tabak leveling the score at 6:43 in the first period. The Gryphons went on to dominate the remainder of the period, scoring three more goals, including a power-play marker by Nolan Forster, to take a commanding 4-1 lead into the intermission.<\/p>\n

Despite the deficit, the Badgers fought relentlessly. Goaltender Samuel Vyletelka made 20 saves, while the team peppered Guelph’s net with 40 shots, testing Gryphons goaltender Cal Shell, who stood tall with 38 saves.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

Brock\u2019s annual Steel Blade Classic hockey game welcomed 4,300 fans to the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Friday, Sept. 20.<\/p><\/div>\n

Brock\u2019s relentless effort culminated in a third-period goal by Andrew Amousse at 12:08, briefly cutting Guelph\u2019s lead to 5-2 before an empty-netter sealed the game for the Gryphons.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always tough to lose, especially in a game like this,\u201d said Brock Head Coach TJ Manastersky. \u201cBut what stands out is how hard our players fought. We didn\u2019t stop competing, and that\u2019s what Brock hockey is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Guelph celebrated their fifth Steel Blade title, the night still belonged to the Brock community.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere at the Meridian Centre, buoyed by Brock\u2019s Fan Fest and pre-game festivities, reflected the heart of Homecoming, Manastersky said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Steel Blade Classic is more than just a hockey game \u2014 it\u2019s a celebration of school spirit, pride and tradition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Beyond the on-ice action, the event raised $3,250 for the Food First Program<\/a> in support of students facing food insecurity, underscoring Steel Blade\u2019s positive impact on the community.<\/p>\n\n\t