Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) welcomed the news that the Portland Pirates will remain in Portland. The Cumberland County Civic Center signed a two year lease with the American Hockey League Franchise.

"The Portland Pirates serve as a critical cornerstone for a growing number of professional sports organizations and I could not be more pleased to learn that the Portland Pirates will remain in our great state of Maine," said Senator Snowe. "There is no question Maine boasts some of the most passionate hockey fans in America. Their enthusiastic support of the Pirates is evidenced by Portland’s ability to support an American League Hockey team since the Maine Mariners arrived in 1977. The Pirates have long served as an integral part of both the City of Portland and the State of Maine’s cultural fabric, and I look forward to having them stay with us for another two years."