The Western Hockey League is making Regina a hub city for its Eastern Division clubs to play their shortened 24-game season.
It is news that should be taken as good for the city according to the president and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited.
Tim Reid says the games, which will be played without fans, will breathe some life into the Brandt Centre which has basically been silent since the pandemic started almost a year ago.
“That facility has been dark and the opportunity to use this for games and practices means it will be used seven days a week at day and at night. ” Reid says. “It’s positive for us and for Regina to host major sports and tourism events in the future as we get out of the pandemic. I think this opens up a new substantial hosting opportunity for us as a community.”
Reid says ideally they would like to have fans in the stands, but this does get us one step closer to a life after COVID-19 and once again shows what Evraz Place can do which will allow them to do other things once this event is successfully delivered.
There is some concern about what this might mean for minor hockey teams and others who use ice surfaces at the Co-Operators Centre. Reid says nothing should change
Hey just to follow up, all operations & existing rentals at The Co-Operators @evrazplacelive will be maintained, future rentals & booking will follow our normal process & on ice activities regardless of the renter will be expected to remain @SaskHealth compliant. #StaySafe
— Tim Reid (@timreid62) February 12, 2021