A few weeks after three finalists made their final pitches to host the 100th Memorial Cup in 2018, it has been announced that Regina, Saskatchewan has won the honour.
Hamilton and Oshawa were the other two finalists.
“It’s really exciting to hear that Regina and the Regina Pats have it, this is their centennial of course,” said former Pat and NHLer Ed Staniowski, who was part of the delegation that made a pitch on behalf of the city.
The Pats are the oldest major junior franchise, and have been in continuous operation since 1917. The team has won the Memorial Cup four times, in 1925, 1928, 1930 and 1974.
“The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup and the celebrations around this centennial event will truly capture, preserve, and enhance the legacy of one of the most prestigious trophies in all of sport while honouring the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our country,” said CHL President David Branch in a release. “I applaud our national Site Selection Committee who were challenged with the decision of choosing between three outstanding bids. On behalf of the CHL we look forward to working with the City of Regina and the Regina Pats to engage the entire nation in what will truly be a historic event.”
Their arena, the Brandt Centre, seats 6,484 and has been used since 1977.
Regina last hosted the Memorial Cup in 2001.
This year’s host is Windsor.
[relatedlinks]
