Media releases

• Steel Blade Classic brings Brock Badgers back to Meridian Centre

  Tuesday, August 14, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 14 August 2018 – R00155

  The Brock Badgers are set to take over the Meridian Centre again for one of the biggest shows in Canadian university hockey.

  The Badgers men’s hockey team, which made it to the U SPORTS National Championships last season, will open the 2018-19 pre-season with the annual Steel Blade Classic to be held Friday, Sept. 21 in downtown St. Catharines.

  This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Steel Blade Classic, a single-game, winner-take-all matchup between the Brock Badgers and Guelph Gryphons.

  The annual Steel Blade game has become one of the most well-attended university hockey games in the country with nearly 5,000 fans packing the Meridian Centre in 2017. It is, by far, the most well-attended event of the year for Brock University students.

  “For our athletes, playing in the game in front of a massive crowd is a huge privilege, and something they’ll never forget,” said Neil Lumsden, Director, Brock Sports. “The rivalry with Guelph has reached an exciting level. I’d like to thank their coaches and players for making this a fabulous event.”

  As has become the tradition, the Steel Blade game will kick off with the Homecoming Tailgate Party in the parking lot of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts across from the Meridian Centre starting at 4 p.m. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will feature music, a barbecue, beer tent, an interactive game from Warrior Hockey, face-painting and more. From there, the party will move inside the Meridian Centre for the 7 p.m. puck drop.

  “We’re extremely proud that the Steel Blade Classic is now in its 20th year,” Lumsden said. “With the addition of the Homecoming Tailgate Party and the move to the Meridian Centre, Steel Blade is an event that Brock students love to attend.”

  Returning for 2018 is the Family Zone, an end section in the Meridian Centre that will feature kid-friendly giveaways and visits from Brock mascot Boomer the Badger throughout the game.

  Tickets for the Steel Blade hockey game are now available at gobadgers.ca

  Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and $8 for kids 12 and under. A limited number of $5 tickets for Brock students will be available starting Sept. 4 from the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk, Thistle Welcome Desk, Campus Store, Vendor Fair and International Open House. For each student ticket sold, $1 will be donated to the Brock University Students’ Union Food First program.

  The Steel Blade Classic is the opening event of Brock’s annual Homecoming weekend. For a complete list of events, reunions and tours, visit brocku.ca/homecoming

  About the event

  Homecoming Tailgate Party

  Friday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m.

  Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts parking lot

   

  Steel Blade Classic Hockey Game

  Brock Badgers vs. Guelph Gryphons

  Friday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.

  Meridian Centre

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• University deplores ‘abhorrent’ social media outburst

  Monday, August 13, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 10 August 2018 – R00154

  Brock University condemns the inflammatory statements that have appeared on a personal social media account under the name of a former professor who retired from the University in 2012.

  The comments, which include vulgar statements about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, appeared on a Twitter account in the name of Garth Stevenson, a former professor of Political Science.

  Tom Dunk, the University’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, said that Stevenson retired more than half a decade ago, is no longer employed by Brock and any comments he makes on social media or elsewhere are solely his own.

  “Brock has no connection whatsoever with his views, and abhors comments that have been posted on his social media sites,” said Dunk.

  Social Sciences Professor Scott Henderson, who is Chair of the University’s Senate, said he expects a meeting by Senate in the coming days to discuss the honorary title of Professor Emeritus that was given to Stevenson when he retired. The title does not involve active participation on campus, and is routinely conferred upon full professors at their retirement.

  Brock President Gervan Fearon said the University is appalled, and shares the pain and frustration felt by many members of the campus community, and in particular members of the Indigenous community, caused by the online posting.

  “Brock remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing an inclusive and respectful work and learning environment, and calls upon all members of the campus community to respectfully engage each other with kindness and humility,” said Fearon.

  “The abhorrent online comments emphasize why it is important that efforts continue to be made across Canadian society and all communities to advance the Calls to Action established under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

  Fearon said Brock is a leader in advancing inclusivity and human rights on campus, and is committed to following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

  Initiatives to advance reconciliation at Brock include the creation of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED); hiring a Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement; hiring a Director of Human Rights and Equity; and the creation of the Two Row, One Dish, One Spoon Council, a special committee to advise the University Senate on issues related to Indigenous education.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases