REGINA – The Brandt Centre has been home to a special cat over the last two years, one who serves many purposes.
14-year-old Yuki the cat was brought to the Pats arena by Phil McPherson, who adopted the grey kitty when a friend was diagnosed with allergies and had to give him up.
McPherson worried the old cat was unlikely to be adopted at the Humane Society and hoped he could give him a second chance at life.
Instead of bringing him home though, McPherson, a zamboni driver, took Yuki to work with him.
The cat was put to work, doing what cats do best.
“He keeps the mice away, and that’s good. I don’t like mice,” said Carrie Livingstone, a Pats ice girl.
Yuki also adds a little fun to the environment, seeking out cuddles from staff as they go about their work.
“I don’t have a cat at home, so it’s nice to get to play with one here,” said Abbie Treslan. Another ice girl, Treslan pets the grey cat before she heads out onto the ice each night.
Yuki wanders freely down the hallways, and hides out when things get too hectic in secret spots in dark corners.
Sometimes, when he’s lucky, his mouse diet is supplemented by treats from friends.
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Ken Stromberg operates the time clock for the Pats and has a sweet spot for Yuki.
“I’ll bring him a can of fancy feast once in a while,” he said.
The cat appears to be getting a little plump and staff joke it’s affecting his mousing.
At the start of April, however, Yuki’s rescuer lost his battle with cancer. McPherson maintained the ice at the Brandt Centre for 34 years.
He taught fellow arena operator, Craig Cameron, the tricks of the trade.
“He was the mentor to us all. He was the one we looked up to, to get advice on how to do things.”
With a little hockey tape, Phil’s name has been added to the zambonis, where he will continue to ride onto the ice each night.
According to Stromberg, McPherson will also live on through his favourite cat, Yuki.
“His friend really was Phil, when he was here. Now Phil’s gone, and we gotta look after him for Phil now.”
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