Although the University of Saskatchewan recently approved the construction of a new $40 million multi-purpose sports facility, the existing Rutherford Rink still holds an important place in U of S history.

At nearly 90 years old, Rutherford Rink has been with the university through many significant historical events. From the Great Depression to the Second World War, to numerous hockey wins and losses, Rutherford Rink has seen it all and lived to tell the tale.

University of Saskatchewan students past and present enjoy skating at Rutherford Rink.

Rutherford Rink was built in 1929. Originally simply known as “the rink,” or “the doghouse,” Rutherford was the first major recreation facility to be built on the U of S campus and cost approximately $47,000.

In true U of S Huskie fashion, the building of the rink came as an entirely student-led initiative. As early as 1920, students were pushing for a more permanent skating facility to replace the existing outdoor rink. Eventually, with a loan from the University Board of Governors, the Student Representative Council was able to fund the building of the rink by 1928.

Its official opening was on Jan. 23, 1930. The kickoff event was a men’s hockey game between the U of S Huskies and the University of Manitoba Bisons. The Huskies won the game 5-1, and this initial victory set the tone for future Huskie successes at Rutherford Rink.

Eventually, the building was named in honour of W.J. Rutherford, who was the first dean of agriculture at the U of S. He was considered to be an active and compassionate citizen that cared deeply about his community. When he passed away in 1930, his death was a significant loss to the university community.

According to the U of S Archives and Special Collections, Rutherford Rink was “the most popular place on campus.” Over the years, the rink has served a wide variety of functions, from a practice space for varsity hockey, to a children’s skating club, to a rehearsal hall for the university band.

With a maximum seating capacity of only 1,066 people, it has long been a concern that Rutherford Rink was not adequately equipped to accommodate the growing needs of the U of S sports community. When Saskatoon hosted the CIS University Cup in 2014, the hockey games were not held at Rutherford — they were held at Credit Union Centre, which can seat up to 13,000.

After several years of speculation, it was announced in September 2016 that the U of S had approved the building of a brand-new $41 million rink, to be erected near the Saskatoon Field House on Campus Drive, across from the university. The new facility will feature twin ice sheets, warm-up rooms, as well as other sports facilities.

The new facility has been dubbed Merlis Belsher Place, in honour of U of S graduate Merlis Belsher, a significant donor to the project.

With construction on Merlis Belsher Place estimated to take one to two years to complete, Rutherford Rink will continue to be home to the U of S Huskies for a little while longer. Although far from perfect, “the doghouse” has become a part of U of S history that we would be wrong to forget.

As the U of S moves towards newer and bigger things, it is important that we do not forget our humble origins. Rutherford Rink is a testament to the grit and ingenuity of the U of S, both in and out of the Huskies’athletics community. It is our past endeavours that enable us to have a bright future.

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Emily Klatt / Sports & Health Editor

Photo: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-1055, Photographer: Gibson