The new Merlis Belsher Place will replace the existing Rutherford Rink and provide an essential facility for Huskie athletics, Saskatoon Minor Hockey and the community.
“Our support of the Home Ice campaign was an easy decision for us,” said President and CEO Vaughn Wyant. “Sport—and hockey in particular—is part of the fabric of Saskatchewan culture and this project represents an exciting opportunity for Saskatoon. This new complex will benefit university and city programs alike and we’re pleased to enthusiastically provide our financial and emotional support. I guess you could say we are fans.”
U of S President Peter Stoicheff recognized the importance of community in the project, as the university seeks the support of the public for the remaining $7 million to fund the facility.
“It’s been wonderful to see how the community has come together to support this project, particularly Vaughn Wyant and the Wyant Group,” said Stoicheff. “Vaughn has been a long-standing supporter of the Huskies, and his gift to the Home Ice campaign demonstrates his philanthropic philosophy of giving back to the communities in which he lives and does business. We are incredibly grateful for his support and his commitment to this project.”
The construction timeline and projected opening date of Merlis Belsher Place is still to be determined based on funding secured through the campaign.
For updates on the campaign, please visit home-ice.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
jennifer.thoma@usask.ca
Nicole Betker
Sports Information Director
Huskie Athletics, University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1024