Historic Brock men's hockey alumni game
Ivor Wynne Stadium, Hamilton ON- On the beautiful winter morning of January 22nd, Brock hockey alumni laced up for an game that will forever be captured in their history.
Forty men from as early as the 1968 roster hit the ice on the outdoor rink at Ivor Wynne Stadium. The rink was part of the Outdoor Classic weekend run by the local AHL team, the Hamilton Bulldogs. As part of the weekend, the Ontario University Association (OUA) rented the ice and featured a varsity women's and men's game on Thursday and Sunday respectively. When Brock coach Murray Nystrom learned of the opportunity to rent ice for an alumni game, he jumped at the opportunity. " an event of this nature for our alumni is something that we did not want to pass up" says Nystrom.
Prior to the game, former teammates gathered in the change room to rekindle their memories of what Brock University meant to them. Alumni from across Ontario, New Hampshire and North Carolina made the trip to see old friends.
Brock Badger Phil McCann, '74 (B.Sc), in from North Carolina describes the outdoor classic alumni game as "an absolutely thrilling Brock and sporting experience." A highlight of the day was remembering a great friend and teammate, the late Bruce Wormald. "Bruce was a special person to his family, his friends and to Brock" says Phil. Mr. Wormald was a member of the original Brock Generals roster and the first male athlete of the year at Brock University. He passed away peacefully January 18th just four days before the alumni game.
Coach Murray Nystrom and Athletic Director Robert Hilson truly believe that events like these are important experiences for Brock University alumni. "As a student athlete you have a different connection to your institution. You practice and compete for countless hours, creating friendships with teammates and coaches that stay with your forever" says Hilson "We were thrilled to provide this opportunity for our alumni and look to host more alumni events in the future."
Though the men's varsity team dropped a 3-1 decision to Waterloo that afternoon the memories will forever part of Brock Hockey history.
Did you hear about this event? Update your email information by visiting gobadgers.ca and clicking "Former Athlete" on the home page.
Check out pictures from the day:
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