Saturday, December 21, 2024
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Year in Review: Top 10 Badgers moments of 2024 

2024 has been an incredibly memorable year for the Badgers. With six teams winning provincial medals, six reaching U Sports championships and two winning national titles, the highlights were endless for the Badgers during the calendar year. 

Harris, O’Connor named The Brock Press’ Athletes of the Month for November 

Stephen Harris (men’s rowing) and Tatum O’Connor (women’s swimming) have been selected as The Brock Press’ Athletes of the Month for November. 

The power of sports in global unity  

In the world of sports, competition often places us on opposing sides, yet it also possesses a unique power to unite us.  

Soccer’s legacy is a global phenomenon  

Soccer is not only a sport; it’s a global phenomenon that crosses borders and connects with cultures.  

Brock women’s basketball team battles hard in defeat to Rave

The Brock Badgers women's basketball team faced a tough 76-59 loss against the No. 6 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens at Bob Davis Gymnasium.  

Privilege and crime in the sports world

Crime is a topic often overlooked in the world of sports, as are the countless instances of professional athletes committing offenses without facing consequences due to their status.  

PWHL announces neutral site schedule with expansion teams looming 

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) continues its growth into new markets, announcing nine neutral site games for the 2024-25 season, with expansion teams on the horizon for 2025-26. 

Canada cruises past Suriname, will face Mexico in Nations League Semifinal 

The Canadian senior men’s soccer team dominate Suriname 3-0 (4-0 on aggregate) on Nov. 19 at BMO Field, advancing to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal and booking their ticket to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. 

Badgers men’s hockey drop heavyweight battle to McGill 

The Brock Badgers men’s hockey team fell 3-2 to the McGill Redbirds, the seventh-ranked team in the country, on Nov. 16 at Canada Games Park. 

Projecting Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster 

After years of waiting to watch Canada’s hockey superstars compete against the world’s top talents in a best-on-best tournament, the 4 Nations Face-Off is under three months away with Canada set to open their tournament against Sweden on Feb. 12. The only question that remains is which players will be suiting up in red and white come February, and which players will miss the cut on a very talented roster. 

Badgers Women’s basketball dominates with fourth consecutive win  

The Badger Women’s basketball team is on fire, claiming their fourth consecutive victory with an impressive 73-59 win over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 9 at the Bob Davis Gym.  

How A.I. is transforming the world of sports

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is gradually becoming a part of our everyday lives, shaping how we work and communicate. In the world of sports, A.I. has taken on an increasingly vital role, transforming everything from player performance analysis to injury prevention and fan engagement. As A.I. technology continues to advance, its impact on sports is expected to grow, changing the game for athletes, coaches and fans.  

Climate change threatens the future of outdoor sports  

As climate change intensifies with each passing year, its impacts are reaching deeper into every corner of our lives, including the world of outdoor sports. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is beginning to reshape how and where these sports can be played.  

Maya Turner continues making history becoming first woman named Canada West Football All-Star 

Maya Turner’s inspirational story continues to be written, achieving another accolade being named as a 2024 Canada West All-Star, becoming the first woman to earn football all-star honours in any U Sports conference. 

Heyes and the Badgers shine from three in win over Waterloo 

The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team beat the Waterloo Warriors 78-66 on Nov. 9, dominating from the three-point line at the Bob Davis Gymnasium. 

Football’s hidden dangers to players’ health  

As one of the world’s most popular sports, American football comes with high stakes that extend beyond the game. The intensity and physical demand put players at significant risk for injuries, many of which have lasting, life-altering impacts — with brain injury being one of the worst.  

Racism Black athletes face in sports today  

In the world of sports, media coverage often shines brightest on athletes’ accomplishments, yet for Black athletes, it frequently casts a shadow of bias and scrutiny based solely on race.  

Tradition or appropriation? Chiefs face cultural critique

Despite the Kansas City Chiefs’ impressive run this NFL season, the team’s legacy is clouded by controversy that rarely makes headlines.  

Rogers, Durcak sisters named The Brock Press’ Athletes of the Month for October 

Holden Rogers (men’s hockey), and Isabella and Zoe Durcak (women’s rowing) have been selected as The Brock Press’ Male and Female Athletes of the Month for October. 

Cronkwright’s game-winner leads Badgers women’s hockey to victory over nationally ranked Warriors 

The Brock Badgers women’s hockey team defeated the eighth-ranked Waterloo Warriors 2-1 on Nov. 2 at Canada Games Park, extending their win streak to two. 

Getting to know the Liberty franchise  

The New York Liberty clinched their first-ever WNBA championship title on Sunday, marking a historic achievement for the franchise.  

Brock Women’s basketball kicks off season with win   

On Thursday, the Brock women’s basketball team kicked off their season with a strong start, securing a victory on the Guelph Gryphons’ home court. With a new head coach at the helm, the team is poised for a memorable season, and this opening win sets an optimistic tone for what is yet to come.  

Lebron and Bronny’s NBA debut raises questions  

During the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, a momentous occasion unfolded as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, shared the court together for the first time, and fans are not happy.  

Balanced attack leads Badgers men’s basketball to home opener win over Gryphons 

The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team begin their 2024-25 season with a huge win in front of the packed Bob Davis Gymnasium, crushing the Guelph Gryphons 64-47 on Oct. 24. 

Badgers women’s hockey lose hard-fought game to Varsity Blues 

The Brock Badgers women’s hockey team fall 3-2 to the Varsity Blues in Toronto, as the Badgers’ comeback is cut short. 

Lynx and Liberty battle for WNBA Championship  

The WNBA Finals have reached a thrilling point as the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty go head-to-head for the championship title.  

David’s late goal gives Canada win over Panama in home return 

It was a celebratory return to Canadian soil for the senior men’s national team on Oct. 15, defeating Panama 2-1 in an international friendly in Toronto, playing in their first home match of 2024. 

PWHL unveils 2024-25 schedule, second season begins Nov. 30 

After an exciting first season, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) returns on Nov. 30 with more games, rebranded team names, bigger venues and a lot more anticipation entering year two. 

Jessica Campbell sets new standard in NHL coaching

Jessica Campbell made history on Oct. 8 as the first full-time female coach in the NHL, opening the door for greater gender diversity in professional hockey. Her achievement represents a step forward for the sport, offering women an inspiring role model in a field dominated by men.  

The complex relationship between Vince Carter and Toronto  

Vince Carter was once hailed as the face of the Toronto Raptors, making him one of the most talented players to play for the team. After his exit from Toronto in 2004, however, the relationship between Carter and the city became strained. His exit was marked by controversy, including frustrations over his effort on the court and his eventual trade. The messy breakup left fans divided, turning what was once admiration into a complicated legacy that persisted for years after his departure.  

Badgers men’s soccer beat Lancers twice, clinch playoff berth 

The Brock Badgers defeated the Windsor Lancers twice over the weekend, 6-1 on Friday night in Windsor and 1-0 on Sunday at Alumni Field, to clinch a playoff spot heading into the final weekend of the regular season. 

Badgers men’s hockey fall to Golden Hawks in overtime 

The Brock Badgers men’s hockey team lost 3-2 in overtime to the Laurier Golden Hawks on Oct. 5, falling to 1-1 to begin the 2024-25 season.  

Honouring Dikembe Mutombo’s legacy of heart and strength   

The basketball world is in mourning following the loss of Dikembe Mutombo, the National Basketball Association's (NBA) first official global ambassador and one of the greatest defensive players in league history, who passed away Sept. 30 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  

Dancing to build the mind and heal the heart  

It’s commonly debated whether dance qualifies as a sport, but dance goes far beyond athleticism — it’s a powerful form of emotional expression, social connection and a tool to combat cognitive decline. More than just a movement, it offers an escape from daily stresses, helping us navigate life’s challenges, both big and small.  

Brock women’s soccer team dominates Windsor 3-0  

In a thrilling Friday night game at the University of Windsor’s Alumni Field, the Brock Badgers women’s soccer team dominated the field, defeating the Windsor Lancers with an impressive 3-0 victory thanks to their fierce defence and determination.  

Unpacking what’s next for the Blue Jays after a disappointing season: Key offseason decisions to address the future 

It’s finally over for the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans after a disappointing 2024 season, finishing fifth in the American League East Division with a 74-88 record.  

Path to pro sports tougher for Canadian students  

Canadian university athletes face challenging odds in reaching professional sports with fewer professional sports teams garnering less exposure compared to the U.S. 

Khelif’s glory shines despite baseless gender accusations

During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old Algerian boxer, became one of the most controversial athletes in the world. Khelif spent her life challenging social norms in a male-dominated sport, but because of a gender controversy and the spread of misinformation, her accomplishments are forever overshadowed. 

Celebrating Canada’s Indigenous Athletic Icons  

In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which took place this week, it’s a perfect time for Badgers to reflect on the legendary Indigenous athletes who have not only represented our country but also transcended societal limitations with their extraordinary achievements in sports.  

Brock grad joining Hockey Canada staff for 4 Nations Face-Off, Olympics 

Kyle Dubas (BSM ‘07) has been named Director of Player Personnel for the Canadian senior men’s hockey team at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025 and the Winter Olympic Games in February 2026. 

Brock Women’s Basketball welcomes Coach Shae Dheensaw  

Brock University’s women’s basketball team is entering a new chapter with the arrival of head coach Shae Dheensaw.  

Toronto is now home to a WNBA team  

After years of anticipation, the wait is over: Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has officially announced that the league’s 14th franchise will begin play in the 2026 season.  

Brock’s first-ever Female Athlete of the Year  

With 60 years of athletic history, Brock University has celebrated countless achievements and memorable moments. Among these, a significant milestone is the recognition of Helen Henderson as the university’s first Female Athlete of the Year in 1972-1973, honouring her remarkable contributions to the women’s basketball team, volleyball team and rowing team.  

Badgers women’s rugby overpowers Trent in dominant road victory 

The Brock Badgers women’s rugby team earned a commanding 58-15 win in Peterborough against Trent University, scoring 10 tries in the contest, to move ahead of the Excalibur for fifth place in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) standings. 

Badgers drop Steel Blade Classic as Guelph spoils homecoming weekend 

Despite a relentless and spirited effort in front of 4,300 fans at the Meridian Centre, the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team fell 6-2 to the Guelph Gryphons in the annual Steel Blade Classic showdown. 

Familiar Faces in New Places: Where 2023/24 Badgers’ stars now call home 

The 2023/24 varsity season was a tremendous success for the Badgers, as 26 Brock athletes were named All-Canadians, with 81 earning provincial all-star selections. Amongst those stellar performances were some shining stars who took their game to the next level. Here is where some 2023/24 Badger all-stars now call home after graduating to the professional ranks. 

Inside Brock men’s soccer with Coach Balta 

I had a chance to connect with Brock University men’s soccer coach, Aleks Balta, following the team’s recent string of losses to discuss the challenges, lessons and path forward for the team.  

Some of Brock’s greatest athletic achievements  

Brock University has a storied tradition of athletic excellence with Badgers consistently achieving remarkable milestones since the university was founded 60 years ago. As we reflect on Brock’s impressive journeys, let’s dive into some highlights that have defined the Badgers’ success over the years.  

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