Area sports Aug. 21: Steel Blade game; Riverhawks camp; Beechwood golf
The Brock Badgers men’s hockey team is once again set to hit the ice for the Steel Blade Classic in downtown St. Catharines Friday, Sept. 13.
The 21st annual event returns to the Meridian Centre as the Badgers men’s hockey team takes on the Guelph Gryphons in a 7 p.m. start.
The Steel Blade Classic, which typically sells out annually, brought together more than 5,000 fans for an exceptional experience last year.
“The Steel Blade hockey game is an electric event and should not be missed,” said Emily Allan, associate director of Brock sports. “Our fans continue to show why they are the most dedicated fans in the province, arriving to the arena decked out in amazing Brock spirit. For our student-athletes, playing in front of a home crowd like this is an experience they’ll never forget. We owe it to our coaches, athletes, staff and fans for helping to create such an amazing show.”
The men’s hockey team is shaping up to be a force this season. Brock’s lineup features unprecedented depth, as leading scorers Ryan Burton and Ayden MacDonald return, alongside a productive sophomore core of Tyler Rollo and all-star defenceman Connor Walters.
“The atmosphere with the students is incredible,” Badgers head coach Marty Williamson said. “It’s the loudest I’ve ever heard the Meridian Centre. It feels like a playoff game with that kind of crowd, which is great for the players and also good for the coaches to evaluate their players.”
Non-student tickets for the Steel Blade Classic go on sale Monday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. on ticketmaster.ca. New this year, these tickets allow the community and alumni to watch the game from the upper club level of the Meridian Centre. Prices are $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Pre-sale tickets for students are now on sale as part of the $45 experience package, a bundle created in partnership with the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and other on-campus partners. General admission student tickets without the experience package will go on sale Sept. 3 for $25. For each ticket sold, $1 will be donated to the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) Food First program.
RIVERHAWKS OPEN CAMP
The Niagara Riverhawks of the Provincial Junior Hockey League are gearing up for the 2019-20 season.
Tim Barath returns as head coach for his second season.
Barath, a 41-year-old Niagara Falls native and Riverhawk alumnus, is looking forward to the opportunity.
“It’s always a bit of a challenge in this area recruiting players at this level, but I’m confident with the core group of returning players and some new additions we will be able to ice a competitive team this season,” he said.
General manager Fred Sacco is also optimistic.
“We have about 10 or 11 eligible players able to return so that’s a bonus and a good start.”
Joining Barath on the bench this season are returning assistants Chris Sacco and Jon Lowe.
The Riverhawks executive management team consists of Mick Wolfe, chief operating officer; Fred Sacco, president and general manager; Winston Auld, associate GM and Vice President of hockey operations; Rob DeGiuli, associate GM and director of player development.
The Riverhawks are a locally owned team by Dr. William Leskiw, Buddy Lowe and Sacco.
The Riverhawks will be participating in the Doug Blurr Junior Tournament, Friday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 25 in Pelham. They are have exhibition games slated for Thursday, Sept. 5 versus Dunnville at 7 p.m. at the Gale Centre and Friday, Sept. 6 at Dunnville.
BEECHWOOD GOLF
Tuesday Ladies
League draw winners: Sheila Murdoch, Kelly Smith, Carrie Zeffiro and Bev Gauthier.
Competition winners
Hidden partners low score: Norma Restivo / Barb Colonna 96, Roz Bogoslowski / Kim Kanwisher 98
Points leaders: Connie Mack 44, Kim Kanwisher 43, Sue Buchan 42, Kim Cowan 40, Jen Norquay 39,Beatty Sokoloski 38, Debby Dyck 38, Cindy Dickson 37, Jenny Wensink 37.
Wednesday Ladies
League draw winners: Jennie Stevens, Carol Benoit, Eva Fung, and Doreen Garwood-Jones.
Competition winners
Hidden partners low score: Janie Griffiths/Jackie Fitzgerald 94, Eva Fung/Terry Huisman 97.
Points leaders: Shirley Bartolini 38, Jackie Fitzgerald 35, Kelly Riley 35, Janice Kroetsch 33, Terry Huisman 32, Liz Seeley 32, Janie Griffiths 31, Linda Reece 31.
Thursday Stag-League
Draw winners
Closest to hole: #2 Jason Gagnon; # 11 Chris White.
Friday-Ben’s Bright Spot Boys
Individual quota points: Tim Kenny +9, Terry Howe +8, Larry Lavelle +8, Doug Favell +5, Tim Howe +4, Jerry Kostandoff +4, Andy Leshkewich +4.
Team quota points: Tim Kenny, Ange Persia and Bernie Mac Adam +10.
Longest putt: Frank Sentance.
Closest to hole: #9 Kenny Cameron; #14 Doug Favell; #17 John Kenny.
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