Crowchild Classic Hockey Showdown Sets New Attendance Benchmark at Saddledome
The annual Crowchild Classic rivalry between the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University has once again made history, setting a new attendance record at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the second consecutive year. The downtown Calgary arena was packed with a total of 13,324 enthusiastic fans, surpassing last year's record of 13,139 spectators.
Record-Breaking Growth of a University Sports Tradition
This remarkable achievement continues the event's impressive growth trajectory since its inception in 2012. The inaugural Crowchild Classic broke a 42-year-old Canada West record with 4,275 fans in attendance, establishing itself as one of the premier fixtures in Canadian university sports. Over its 12-year history, the event has now welcomed a cumulative total of 124,227 fans through the gates, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Calgary's sports calendar.
The Crowchild Classic now holds eight of the top nine all-time attendance records between U SPORTS teams, demonstrating its unique appeal and growing popularity among university sports enthusiasts.
Doubleheader Action and Community Support
The event featured a thrilling doubleheader in both women's and men's hockey between the Calgary Dinos and Mount Royal Cougars. Both institutions enjoyed excellent turnouts from students, staff, faculty, and alumni, creating an electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with this annual competition.
On the ice, Calgary claimed victory in the women's game with a 2-1 score, while Mount Royal secured an identical 2-1 win in the men's contest. The evening was made possible through the generous support of the Calgary Flames and the Flames Foundation, who provided both university teams with the opportunity to experience playing in an NHL-caliber facility with full professional entertainment elements.
Institutional Recognition and Future Matchups
"The Crowchild Classic continues to set the standard, and tonight was another outstanding showcase of Canadian university hockey," said Dinos director of athletics Ben Matchett. "In partnership with MRU, and with the tremendous support of the Flames Foundation and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, we've built something truly special here in Calgary."
Matchett extended gratitude to the Scotiabank Saddledome staff, CSEC personnel, and foundation representatives for their exceptional behind-the-scenes work, while also acknowledging the unwavering support from student bodies year after year.
The Dinos and Cougars will conclude their weekend series on Saturday night, with the women's teams competing at Father David Bauer Arena and the men's teams facing off at the Flames Community Arenas. Both games are scheduled for 5 p.m. start times, offering fans additional opportunities to witness this growing university sports rivalry.
