Commish impressed with Pats’ improvements gearing up for Cup run
Ron Robison is pleased with what he has seen on and off the ice with the Regina Pats.
The WHL commissioner, who is also a CHL vice-president, was in Regina for Wednesday’s announcement regarding ticket packages and events surrounding the 2018 Memorial Cup, which runs May 17-27 in the Queen City.
Robison was impressed with the moves that the Pats made leading up to the Jan. 10 trade deadline to bolster the team for its role as the host squad for the 100th-anniversary Memorial Cup.
The Pats completed trades for nine players and have already shown improvement. Prior to the Christmas break, the Pats were 1617-3-0 and mired in a four-game losing streak.
Heading into Wednesday’s game against the host Prince Albert Raiders, the Pats were 23-19-4-0 (including 3-0-1-0 over their previous four games).
“Going into the season, everyone knew that there were going to have to be some changes made to get the team to the level the Pats were satisfied with and to be a championship-calibre team to play in an event like this,’’ Robison said during Wednesday’s media event at Brandt Centre. “You need to improve your roster and that’s exactly what they did at the deadline.’’
The Pats weren’t the only team busy at the trade deadline. According to TheHockeyWriters.com, the WHL’s 22 teams completed 44 trades from the conclusion of the holiday break through to the trade deadline.
The transactions involved 71 roster players, 13 prospects, and 71 draft picks (including 17 firstround selections).
“I really give our players and our families a lot of credit for the adjustments that will have to be made because all of that,’’ Robison said.
“When you look at it from a hosting standpoint, Regina didn’t have any option and they had to make those changes to improve their team. Others saw a chance to make a run at a championship and those don’t come along too often in this league, so you understand those changes as well.’’
Robison is also pleased with the improvements that have been made to the Brandt Centre prior to the Memorial Cup.
“To host an event like this, you have to meet certain standards and the CHL has a number of requirements,’’ Robison said.
“I give not only the host organizing committee, but the City of Regina a lot of credit because they have really transformed the dressing-room areas and the amenities in the building. The festival activities that will take place around the event will be significant as well.”
It was announced Wednesday that Pats season-ticket holders will have the first chance to purchase Memorial Cup ticket packages, beginning Thursday.
Season-ticket holders can purchase Memorial Cup packages, which will include eight guaranteed games (plus a tiebreaker if necessary).
Initial pricing is $695 for Centennial-level seating and $645 for Festival-level seating. The pre-sale for season-ticket holders is open from Thursday until Jan. 26.
Due to CHL restrictions and other commitments, season-ticket holders aren’t guaranteed their current seats for the Memorial Cup.
Following the pre-sale, tickets will be released to the general public on Jan. 30. Non-season-ticket holders interested in reserving ticket packages can do so starting Friday.
Centennial seating ticket packages for the general public will cost $750, with Festival seating running for $700. Further ticket information is available at www. mastercardmemorialcup.ca.
Away from the ice, the Centennial Celebration Zone will be held at the Credit Union EventPlex and will be open two hours before games begin.
Access to the Celebration Zone is $49 for those with Memorial Cup ticket packages and $99 for those without a game ticket.
The Centennial Fanfest is also part of the event and is free to the public.
The Memorial Cup festival kicks off May 17 with the opening ceremony and The Eagles concert at Mosaic Stadium.