SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Crunch announced Friday afternoon that the hockey club has reached a long-term lease with Onondaga County and the Oncenter to continue to play at the War Memorial downtown.

According to a statement released by the team, the lease is for ten years, expiring at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

“This proved to be a great team effort between County Executive Joanie Mahoney, Oncenter President Terri Toennies and the Oncenter Board of Directors,” said Crunch President and CEO Howard Dolgon. “We appreciate and enjoy a strong relationship in a building that continues to make improvements.”

"I am thrilled that the Crunch and the Oncenter have signed a 10 year contract extension," said County Executive Joanie Mahoney in a prepared statement. "As the War Memorial's anchor tenant, the Crunch bring thousands of fans downtown and they create a strong customer base for downtown businesses.  I have said many times, that for our region to thrive we must have a vibrant downtown and the Crunch are a key component to that vibrancy."

The Crunch have called the Onondaga County War Memorial home since 1994, and are in their 16^th season of operation. According to the Crunch, they are the longest-serving independently-owned operation in the American Hockey League.

The Crunch had been in discussions with the County over repairs to the War Memorial, which the team previously said was crucial to their survival in Syracuse. Discussions about renovations have included a possible new roof for the 58-year-old building, as well as a new scoreboard and other amenities.

The Crunch did not release the terms of the deal.