CALGARY – The records at the annual Crowchild Classic continue to fall.

On Friday night, the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University packed a total of 13,139 fans inside the Scotiabank Saddledome, breaking the previous U SPORTS men's hockey regular season attendance record of 12,859 set at the 2016 event.

In the first installment of the rivalry game in 2012, the Crowchild Classic broke a 42-year-old Canada West record with 4,275 fans in attendance, and it has only grown since – annually serving as one of the premier fixtures in all of U SPORTS and Calgary sports. With this year's record-breaking attendance, a total of 110,903 total fans have come through the gates for the annual event in its 11-year history.

The event consisted of a doubleheader in women's and men's hockey between the Dinos and Cougars. Both schools had excellent turnouts from students, staff, faculty, and alumni, capping the Crowchild Classic – an annual competition between the two universities.

The night was possible thanks the generous support of the Calgary Flames and the Flames Foundation, who gave the Dinos and Cougars the opportunity to play in an NHL facility with the full Flames entertainment experience.

"The Crowchild Classic never disappoints, and tonight was another outstanding showcase for Canadian university hockey," Dinos Director of Athletics Ben Matchett said. "With our partners at MRU and with the incredible support from the Flames Foundation and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, we've captured something special here in Calgary.

"Our thanks to all the Saddledome, CSEC, and foundation staff for all their hard work supporting this incredible event, and a huge shoutout to our student bodies for getting behind this year after year."

Mount Royal Director of Athletics Karla Karch added; "We are extremely grateful to the Flames organization for providing MRU with an opportunity to yet again showcase our hockey programs. Thank you to all those who attended and set a record for this amazing U SPORTS and CW competition. The spirit of both schools was on full display." 

The Dinos and Cougars wrap up their weekend series Saturday night. The men's teams will play at Father David Bauer Arena at 7 p.m., while the women's teams faceoff at the Flames Community Arenas at 5 p.m.

About the Crowchild Classic
The Crowchild Classic is an annual competition between the University of Calgary Dinos and the Mount Royal University Cougars in U SPORTS regular season games across the sports of basketball, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Each year, the school that wins the most games in the series is awarded 'The Medal' – a 68-kilogram cast iron City of Calgary manhole cover. Click here for more information.

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