New lease in place for Regina Pats at Brandt Centre

The Regina Pats, the main tenant of the Brandt Centre hockey arena, has reached an agreement for a new lease of the premises.

Details of the arrangement — including the number of years it covers — were not released, but the previous deal had expired in August. According to a news release, the deal fits within "WHL mid-market guidelines". The club competes in the eastern division of the WHL.

The Brandt Centre, built in 1977, is part of Evraz Place. The exhibition grounds are owned by the City of Regina. A municipal corporation operates the facilities on a not-for-profit basis.

"We are pleased that a new lease arrangement has been struck," Anthony Marquart said in a statement from the ownership group of the Pats. "We're looking forward to playing the balance of this season, given it's been a huge success so far."

Marquart noted the club is making a bid for the 2018 Memorial Cup, the annual CHL championship tournament for best junior hockey team among the participating leagues.

The Pats are also closing in on their 100th anniversary.

"The prospects of celebrating our 100th birthday and the 100th Memorial Cup in the same year is indeed a momentous occasion for hockey fans," Marquart said.

"We're pleased to see this positive step forward and look forward to building our partnership with the Pats ownership group," Mark Allan, CEO at Evraz Place, said in the news release. "We will continue to work in partnership with the Pats to enhance guest experience, while supporting the team in their efforts to grow and engage the fan base."

Named for the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the Pats are the oldest major junior hockey franchise in the world. Since their founding in 1917, the Pats have won three Memorial Cup championships.