Media releases

• Steel Blade Classic brings community together with Badger pride

  Monday, September 21, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 18, 2026 — R0084

  Downtown St. Catharines was once again filled with Brock pride Friday night as 3,500 fans packed the Meridian Centre for the Steel Blade Classic, watching on as the Badgers emerged victorious over the Guelph Gryphons at the University’s signature Homecoming event.

  “The Steel Blade Classic is an opportunity to bring the Brock and Niagara communities together, celebrate our student-athletes and showcase the incredible pride and support that surrounds Brock University,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation. “We’re grateful to everyone who continues to make this event such a special tradition.”

  The Steel Blade Classic dates back to 1999, when the annual one-game showdown between Brock and Niagara University was launched at Thorold Arena. The event has since grown into one of Brock’s most anticipated sporting traditions, bringing generations of Badgers together to celebrate the University and its student-athletes.

  Friday night’s return to the ice saw Brock defeat Guelph 5-1.

  Guelph opened the scoring before Cole Cooksey, a first-year Brock Business student from Toronto, scored his first of two goals to tie the game. Alexis Cournoyer, Ryan Johnstone and captain Nathan Fox also found the back of the net to lift the Badgers to victory.

  The evening was a true celebration of sport, with Brock Badgers teams from beyond the ice being honoured during the game’s intermissions.

  Fans cheered as the Brock women’s volleyball team, which captured the first national medal in program history with a bronze-medal finish at the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship, were celebrated on the ice.

  The Badgers’ wrestling programs were also lauded for their successes this past season, with the women’s team capturing its 24th overall and 11th consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title, and the men’s team claiming its 27th OUA championship, ninth straight, along with its 23rd U SPORTS national title.

  The night also highlighted Brock’s commitment to supporting students beyond varsity sports, with the Brock University Students’ Association (BUSU) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) recognizing a Food First donation of $679 made on behalf of the University.

  The Steel Blade trophy itself carries a long history. Donated by the Werner family, the trophy features an 1803 non-commissioned officer’s hanger, a type of sword carried by artillery units during the War of 1812.

  Following the game, Krist and Martin Werner presented the Steel Blade trophy to the Badgers, continuing a tradition his father, Ed Werner, helped establish more than two decades ago in support of Brock hockey.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected] or 905-246-0256

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  Categories: Media releases

• Bare feet, big grins at Brock’s Homecoming Grape Stomp

  Friday, September 18, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 18, 2026 — R0083

  Laila Jodway knew there was only one way she wanted to celebrate the end of her second week as a Brock University student.

  The first-year Critical Criminology student joined hundreds of other Brock students in Jubilee Court to slip and slide her way through her first Homecoming Grape Stomp on Friday, Sept. 18.

  “It seemed like a great way to build community, and I think it’s fun,” Jodway said, adding she wanted to be part of the long-standing tradition.

  Nico San Pedro first participated in the beloved Brock event as an undergraduate student, returning now in his first year of the Master of Business Administration program. This time, he knew what to expect — especially when it came to the sensation of squishing grapes with his bare feet.

  “Now I know what it feels like, so I’m prepared for it,” he said.

  Rookie stompers Tatsuya Mandai and Mito Ishiguro came dressed for the occasion. The English as a Subsequent Language students were both dressed in white. While Mandai opted for a full body suit — including a hood — Ishiguro stood out in his tank top, shorts and latex horse head to add an extra bit of whimsy to the occasion.

  President Lesley Rigg kicked off the event with welcoming remarks for the estimated 300 Badgers who were eager to start stomping the metric tonne of Concord grapes from Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery that had been harvested earlier in the day.

  Manager of Student Leadership and Engagement Carolyn Hough said she was happy with both the turnout and the beautiful weather.

  “Students love to show up; it’s a Brock bucket list item. It’s chaos and everyone loves it,” she said. “It’s the perfect welcome to fall and welcome to campus.”

  Grape Stomp signalled the start of Brock’s Homecoming celebrations, with a full lineup of events taking place over the weekend including the Steel Blade Classic hockey game at the Meridian Centre on Friday evening.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5855

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  Categories: Media releases