Next Regina Pats owners promise 'new energy' for team

The next owners of the Regina Pats, pending league approval, are promising to bring new energy and excitement to the WHL franchise, according to a statement Thursday from Anthony Marquart, Todd Lumbard, Jason Drummond and Shaun and Gavin Semple.

The prospective owners, called Queen City Sports & Entertainment Group, confirmed Thursday they have a deal with current Pats owners Russ and Diane Parker.

"Our group is very excited and optimistic about the future of the Pats organization," Marquart said in the statement. "New ownership certainly brings with it new investment, new energy and new ideas on how to build on past successes."

The sale must win approval of the WHL Board of Governors, which meets April 30 to consider the sale of two franchises: the Pats and the Prince George Cougars.

CBC News contacted Marquart Thursday, who declined to do an interview until the sale is approved.

The statement, however, said the new owners will be consulting with "all Pats management, coaches, and employees to discuss their needs, their ideas, their goals, and their career aspirations."

More information was expected "in the weeks ahead".

The team's 100th anniversary is just around the corner. According to Wikipedia, the club started in 1917 as the Patricias, named after Princess Patricia, daughter of Canada's Governor General of the day. The name was shortened to the Pats in 1923.