Griffin Spirit Week Set to Begin Jan. 30

Tuesday, Jan. 30 will officially mark the start of "Griffin Spirit Week" in conjunction with women's basketball, hockey and men's basketball all squaring off with long-time rival Niagara over the next seven days.

"Griffin Spirit Week" is a collaborative effort between the athletic department and various other groups on campus to bring the excitement of school spirit to Canisius students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Various daily activities and programming has been scheduled, starting Jan. 30, when the Canisius women's basketball team hosts Niagara through Feb. 6 when hockey and men's basketball take on the Purple Eagles. For a full schedule of events surrounding "Griffin Spirit Week", check the schedule listed below.

All three of the Canisius-Niagara sporting events over the next seven days will count for points toward the 2023-24 Battle of the Bridge standings. The Battle of the Bridge is the annual all-sports rivalry series between Canisius and Niagara. The Griffs won the Canal Cup trophy at the end of the 2022-23 academic year, the University's 13th Battle of the Bridge championship in the series' 17-year history. To learn more about the Battle of the Bridge and the see the most up-to-date standings, CLICK HERE.

Tickets for the women's basketball home game with Niagara on Jan. 30 can be purchased in advance online by clicking HERE. Tickets for the Canisius hockey game against Niagara, scheduled for Feb. 6 at LECOM Harborcenter can also be purchased online at this LINK. The men's basketball team will play the first of two regular season games against the Purple Eagles on Feb. 6, as well, as the Blue and Gold is scheduled to travel to the Gallagher Center in Lewiston, N.Y., that evening. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the Canisius ticket office in the main lobby of the Koessler Athletic Center, or by phone by calling (716) 888-TIXX.

2024 "Griffin Spirit Week Schedule" – for more information, follow us on X and Instagram @GoGriffs

Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Women's Basketball vs. Niagara • 6 p.m. • Koessler Athletic Center
• Game sponsor is the Canisius Bookstore and a Canisius prize pack will be raffled off during the game;
• This game has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Night – all fans are encouraged to wear green to support mental health awareness initiatives;
• Green ribbons symbolizing mental health awareness will be distributed, and the Canisius Counseling Center will provide information on mental health at the game;
• Canisius Athletes 4 Athletes game;
• Free pizza vouchers will be presented to students, compliments of the women's basketball team, while supplies last.

Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Canisius Faculty and Staff Day
• All Canisius faculty and staff are encouraged to wear Blue and Gold;
• Faculty and staff in Canisius Blue and Gold will be entered into a raffle for a Canisius prize pack;
• Tim Hortons coffee and other various treats will be shared with all faculty and staff throughout the day.

Thursday, Feb. 1 – Canisius Athletics-Themed Trivia Night • 6 p.m. • Palisano Basement Lounge
• Event is hosted by C-Block;
• Test your knowledge of Canisius athletics;
• The winner of the trivia contest will receive an exclusive Canisius prize pack.

Friday, Feb. 2 – Video Game Tournament • 6 p.m. • Palisano Basement Lounge
• Event hosted by Fusion Game Society;
• NBA 2K, FIFA, Madden Rocket League will all be played in a tournament format;
• Prizes will be awarded to winners;
• Light food and beverages will be provided.

Saturday, Feb. 3 – Women's Basketball vs. Saint Peter's • 1 p.m. • Koessler Athletic Center
• Canisius athletics will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day;
• All fans are encouraged to wear white to participate in the team's "White Out";
• Oxford Pennant will offer a customization workshop, starting at 12 p.m. Banners are $30, more than 50 percent off retail price;
• Free posters celebrating Canisius women's athletics will be provided, and there will be a postgame autograph session;
• There will also be a postgame youth clinic in the Patrick Lee Gymnasium featuring representatives from all of Canisius' female teams and sports.

Sunday, Feb. 4 – Day of Service
• The Canisius athletic department will join with the University's campus ministry staff and the New Buffalo Institute to highlight volunteer opportunities in and around the campus community.

Monday, Feb. 5 – Social Media Mini-Games • All Day • Around Campus
• Be on the look-out for Petey, the Golden Griffin mascot and his crew, as they travel around campus with questions and challenges that will appear on Canisius' social media channels;
• Prizes will be given to those who can answer Petey's questions, or are willing to accept his challenges.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Hockey vs. Niagara • 6 p.m. • LECOM Harborcenter
• Game sponsor is the Hofbrauhaus Buffalo. There will be a postgame party held at Hofbrauhaus at the end of the hockey game – Canisius students will receive special vouchers to be used at the party, based on age (some vouchers are limited to students 21-and over);
• It's Petey's birthday – help celebrate everyone's favorite mascot as he makes another trip around the sun and free birthday cake will be a part of the postgame party at Hofbrauhaus;

Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Men's Basketball at Niagara • 7 p.m. • Gallagher Center (Lewiston, N.Y.)
• The first of two men's basketball games between these two long-time rivals this season will be played at Niagara.

Print Friendly Version