10 for 10: No. 6 - The Crowchild Classic

In 2012, the Mount Royal Cougars joined the Canada West conference, and in the process, the Crowchild Classic was born. The Classic is an annual head-to-head clash between the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, with the winner taking home the coveted series trophy, a cast-iron City of Calgary manhole cover, and more importantly, bragging rights. 

The winner of the series is determined by the overall results between the eight teams the two programs have in common - both men’s and women’s hockey, soccer, basketball and volleyball. With seven full years in the books, the Dinos have won six out of seven series titles, with the 2014-15 series ending in a tie (7-7-1).  
 

While all competitions between the two cross-town rivals bring bigger crowds and extra motivation for the student-athletes, the crown jewel of the Crowchild Classic is the annual duel between the men’s and women’s hockey programs. The yearly event is hosted by the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome, allowing space for larger crowds. Since its inception, the event has brought in over 66,000 fans over the seven years, which includes the U SPORTS record for a single hockey-game, with 12,859 fans in 2016. These large crowds are usually treated to exciting hockey games, with nine of the previous 14 contests being decided by just one goal. The next chance to join these large crowds is coming up soon, with the next instalment of the games being held on Jan. 30, 2020.   

Like the overall series, the Dinos have had a distinct advantage at the Saddledome, with the women leading the series 5-2 and the men 4-3. However, the event is about more than just the final score of the game. The event has become one of the most important traditions at both universities, giving students a perfect opportunity to bond with each other over school spirit, as well as engaging in a friendly rivalry. At the game, one lucky student from each school that attend the game, goes home with a $5,000 towards their tuition.  

The 2019-20 Crowchild classic is currently underway, with the Dinos currently holding a 5-2-1 record over the Cougars, and bringing the overall series record to 85-38-9 for the Dinos. There are still 12 games left in this year’s Crowchild Classic, with the Cougars looking to get their hands on the manhole cover for the first time.