Canisius College claimed the 2010-11 Canal Cup, representing the Golden Griffins' victory over Niagara University in the annual Battle of the Bridge series. The Battle of the Bridge is an all-sports competition based on the long-standing history between the two Western New York rivals.

"Rivalries are one of those things that make college sports unique and we believe our rivalry with Niagara is the biggest in western New York and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference," Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher said. "Winning the Battle of the Bridge series is an important goal for all of our student-athletes and staff. It is great to see their year-long effort rewarded by bringing the Canal Cup back to Main Street."

The Golden Griffins officially secured the Canal Cup trophy when the Canisius golf team placed fifth in the 2011 MAAC Golf Championships, besting the Purple Eagles' ninth-place finish. Canisius recorded 20 points against Niagara's 13 total points. The Blue and Gold have now claimed the Canal Cup trophy three times in the last four years.

Points are awarded to the winner of regular-season contests, except for cross country, golf and swimming and diving, which are determined by MAAC championship standings. The point system for the 2010-11 Battle of the Bridge series was adjusted last summer after Niagara joined Canisius in the Atlantic Hockey Association, providing three regular-season hockey games, which were all worth one point in the final standings. Men's and women's basketball games were worth a total of four points, with each game counting for two points toward the winning school, while all other sports equaled two points in the final equation.

The name of the series is in reference to the Grand Island Bridge, which each team crosses when traveling to the other's campus. The name of the trophy is in reference to the Erie Canal, which intersects Erie Count, where Canisius is located, and Niagara County, where Niagara is located.