Sustaining Tradition and Excellence

The University of Saskatchewan Men’s Huskie Hockey program has a long history of on-ice success and providing an experience for student-athletes to prepare themselves for prosperity as they move on from the program. Many have benefitted from our program through winning championships, learning about leadership, understanding the importance of team dynamics and building life-long relationships and networks.

The Challenge

The Canadian University Athletics landscape is constantly evolving, rushing forward as we compete to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes, campus community and fans. Meanwhile costs of team travel, tuition, recruiting, equipment and other expenses are escalating, many at a greater rate than inflation.

To compete with the top programs in the country, we need to provide a student-athlete experience that will attract top recruits from across the country. Adequate and sustainable financial resources are essential to structuring a highly competitive program.

Fact: The Men’s Huskie Hockey Program has well over 400 alumni located across the globe.”

Currently our program relies on three main sources of funding:

University of Saskatchewan - base funding for operations and coach salary.
Hockey Schools and Programs – Skills camps, spring hockey and various grassroots programs provide funding for operations of the program.
External Funds (alumni and friends)

Off the Leash Luncheon is an annual event organized by local alumni and provides scholarship support.
Alumni/donor support is solicited to help cover expenses and scholarship gaps.
Annual alumni golf tournament.

Fact: The largest source of external funding for the program is the Off the Leash Luncheon which is executed by a committee of local alumni.

A key group of our alumni and friends have continuously made a strong effort to support the program by dedicating time and financial resources when in need. Now is the time to donate to an efficient and reliable source of funding to enhance our program and keep up with the top programs in the country.

Fact: The Men’s Huskie Hockey alumni were instrumental in raising over $25 million towards the construction of Merlis Belsher Place.

Priority Areas of Enhancement

Equipment – Cost of equipment has continues to drastically increase. The cost of sticks and skates alone provide budget constraints.

Recruitment – Recruiting has never been more competitive in USport hockey. Travel for scouting and bringing potential recruits on campus to see our facilities are key to successful recruiting efforts.

Scholarships – External funding is highly relied upon for Athletic Scholarships. Consistently providing the maximum amount of scholarship funding under USport regulations will ensure student-athletes focus on academics and competition rather than the financial challenges of pursuing an education. Scholarships also enable us to attract talented student-athletes who may be lured away by bigger scholarship offers.

Academic Support – Providing our student-athletes with tutors and academic support ensures academic success.

Coach Support – The University provides funding for a full-time head coach. Attracting and retaining assistant coach(es) is a necessity to delivering effective game preparation and practice execution, grassroots programming and recruiting.

Non-Conference Travel/Competition – Additional funds are required for non-conference travel and competition opportunities. Non-conference competition provides and experience for student-athletes that contribute to team building, life experience and can be used as a recruiting tool.

Support Staff – Equipment and room attendant support is essential to preparing for training and competition.

Game Plan

The long-term solution for providing financial resources to compete with the top programs in the country is the Men’s Huskie Hockey Excellence Trust Fund and Annual Fund. We are asking all our alumni and friends for donations to continue the success and tradition of our Men’s Huskie Hockey Program.

Both funds provide financial resources towards the “Priority Areas of Enhancement” for our Men’s Huskie Hockey program and student-athletes. The structure includes alumni representation on annual spending distribution and annual report to show transparency in spending.

The “Excellence Trust Fund” is structured to ensure:

Capital of the fund is not encroached upon.
A goal of 5% annual payout. (eg. $3 million provides $150,000/annually)

The “Excellence Annual Fund” supports immediate needs for the team.

Funds are intended to be spent annually.

Fact: There are three Men’s Huskie Hockey alumni on the fund committee, two voting members and one non-voting. Along with three USask voting members.

USask Commitment

University of Saskatchewan Senior Leadership supports this initiative and understands the importance of all our Huskie Athletics Programs.

The University of Saskatchewan has stepped by offering the opportunity for donors to take advantage of the Three-year Pledge Bridging Program.

Fact: Prior to April 30th 2024, when a donor pledges any amount over a three year period to the trust fund, the University of Saskatchewan will provide 5% of the amount remaining on the pledge directly to the Excellence Trust Fund. The program will be receiving returns on funds we have not yet received!

The Goal

With a goal of $5 million in this trust fund, we will deliver our Men’s Huskie Hockey Program with long-term sustainable funding. We are building a legacy for our program to compete as a top 5 program in the country and continue to develop leaders in our communities.

Fact: This is the first structured fundraising campaign to support operations and scholarships for the Men’s Huskie Hockey Program.

Donor Recognition

Donor recognition will include but not be limited to; name recognition in Merlis Belsher Place, annual donor report, invite to various donor events. Other opportunities include donor story shared through USask and Huskie Athletics, and recognition at a Huskie hockey game.

Where and How to Give

You can give to either or both the Men’s Huskie Hockey Excellence:

Trust Fund: Donation is invested and the capital is protected, with a goal of 5% annual payout.

Annual Fund: Entire donation is available to be spent on an annual basis.

Fact: Income from the Trust fund and Annual fund donations will be pooled for annual spending.

You can donate through monthly online giving, multi-year pledge, estate gift or one-time donation. Give Online: https://give.usask.ca/impact/areas/huskies.php

Please contact Chris Jacobson, Senior Advancement Officer, Huskie Athletics chris.jacobson@usask.ca or 306-966-2613 to discuss what option works best for you.

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Thank You for Considering a Gift to the Men’s Huskie Hockey Excellence Fund

Donate to The Excellence Trust Fund

Donate to The Excellence Annual Fund