The memory and legacy of former Saskatchewan Huskie hockey player Cody Smuk will live on in Merlis Belsher Place.
Smuk was 26 when he lost his battle with testicular cancer on June 25, 2015.
Inland Steel Products is donating $150,000 to create “Smuker’s Lounge” at the multi-purpose facility being built at the University of Saskatchewan.
Matt Ditlove said his family-owned company wanted to make an investment back to the community while also remembering Cody, who was a family friend.
“Cody loved his friends and family, and he loved to play hockey,” Ditlove said in statement.
“For those of us who loved Cody, we will never forget him. And now his name will live on.”
Darla Smuk said her family is honoured to have Cody remembered at the lounge.
“It meant a lot to Cody to be a part of the Huskies program. He was always very proud to wear the Huskie jersey and do his very best for the team,” she said.
“This is a beautiful gift Matt and his family are giving our son. His memory will live on in the new facility and he will be remembered.”
The Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team retired Cody’s No. 24 jersey in October 2015.
Cody played four seasons with the Huskies before his cancer diagnosis.
Huskies head coach Dave Adolph, who remembered Cody as a hard worker both on and off the ice, said Cody will always be part of the Huskie hockey program.
“He embodied what it meant to be a Huskie men’s hockey player,” Adolph said in a release.
“The addition of ‘Smuker’s Lounge’ in Merlis Belsher Place will be a perfect way to honour Cody’s legacy.”
Players are also wearing Marty’s Men patches to remember Cody and the role he played on the team.