The Guelph Gryphons were edged 6-4 by the Brock Badgers Thurs. night at the opening game of the 15th annual Steel Blade Tournament in St. Catherines.

The Gryphons blazed their way to a 3-2 first period lead on the strength of their powerplay.  Steve Strong (Oakville) scored the opener on assists by Nick Huard (North Bay) and Teal Burns (Victoria, B.C.).  Andres Kopstals (Toronto) scored the second on a nifty passing play with Thomas Kohler (St. Thomas) and Huard.  Strong scored his second of the period from Kopstals and Mac Nichol (Listowel).  Andrew Radjanovic scored both for Brock in the first.

The second period was the undoing of the Gryphons on the evening outscored 3-0 and playing like a young team.  Radjanovic, Sammy Banga, and Johnson Andrews scored for the Badgers to give them the lead.

In the third period both teams traded goals with Guelph's Tryg Strand (Prince Rupert, B.C.) scoring on assists from Mike Hasson (Ariss) and Carlos Amestoy (Toronto).  Taylor Fielding replied for Brock.

Andrew D'Agostini went the distance for Guelph and Clint Windsor went all the way for Brock.

Next action for the Gryphons is Fri. Sept. 19 when the Gryphons travel to Komoka to take on the University of Western Ontario Mustangs at 7:45 P.M.