Brandon University has a rich hockey history and former Bobcat greats who blazed a trail will be back in the spotlight later this year.

The Brandon University Athletics department is hosting a hockey reunion and alumni game on November 4-5 and former Bobcats and Brandon College Caps are invited to attend.

"We are looking forward to holding a major event of this magnitude and hope to see a lot of familiar faces return to celebrate," said Athletic Director Russ Paddock. "The list of hockey alumni is an impressive one and we are excited to recognize them."

Hockey on campus began in 1909 at Brandon College and spanned over 90 years before the university program ended in 2002. During that time top-notch talent and tremendous teams took to the ice.

"For me, it is going to be a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and to reminisce because I do not think you will find an athlete that played at Brandon University that did not leave with a positive experience," said Peter Gerlinger, a former all-Canadian and 1993 inductee into the BU Sports Wall of Fame. "For that reason, I think it is going to be a real exciting time to get people together."

The Bobcats are welcoming former coaches, players and staff from all eras to take part in the event and for many the trip back to BU will be a short one to make.

Many hockey alumni laid down roots in Brandon and western Manitoba following their playing careers and became influential members of the communities they serve.

"That is the thing that is so interesting, the number of players that are working around this community. Teachers, police officers, even some in the medical field," added Gerlinger. "It is incredible to see that Brandon University produced such great student-athletes that went on to become great members of the community."

Alumni can take a trip down memory lane by visiting the Wall of Fame and checking out memorabilia tables that will be on display on Friday, November 4 at the Healthy Living Centre where a meet and greet will be held.

On Saturday, November 5, former Bobcats and Caps can turn back the clock with an alumni game at the Sportsplex with the nostalgic contest to start at 1 p.m.

"You might get a really exciting old-timers hockey game," said ex-Bobcat and former Wheat King Scott Hlady. "It will be neat to see some of the old Bobcats strap the laces on. I know there is still some players who played in the program that still play senior hockey, so it might be something neat to watch."

The celebration is expected to coincide with Bobcat volleyball matches on Saturday, November 5 at the HLC where the alumni members will be formally recognized and afterwards a windup social will be held to close out the event.

Contact Athlete Services/Events Coordinator Tyler Crayston at (204) 724-8360 or craystont@brandonu.ca to RSVP for the hockey reunion and alumni game celebration.