Fundraising efforts for new U of S rink closer to its goal

A Saskatoon business owner is chipping in with a big ‘assist’ as the University of Saskatchewan works to replaces its aging hockey arena.

On Thursday morning, Vaughan Wyant of the Wyant Group of companies donated a $500,000 gift to the U of S Home Ice campaign.

“I think they’ve suffered long enough. It’s time they walk into a facility with great dressing rooms that they’re really super proud of,” Wyant said. “And I think that they’ll play at a higher level. I just think they will.”

Vaughan said the community needs the new arena, not just for the Huskies, but for minor hockey, for women’s hockey.

“You know every great city has a great university. Every great city has a great art gallery. These are what really drives the self-esteem of a community to have these great things. This has been lacking and now it’s here and we’re excited,” Wyant added.
 
Merlis Belsher Place, will be a “world-class” facility with twin-pad ice facility.

U of S president Peter Stoicheff said the community plays a big role in a project such.

“Vaughan 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,” Stoicheff said. “We are incredibly grateful for his support and his commitment to this project.”

The construction timeline and projected opening date of Merlis Belsher Place still has yet to be determined as $7m is still needed for the project.