UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask Huskie alum gives back in support of hockey excellence

During his time playing for the Huskie men's hockey team, Shannon Briske had the distinction of wearing the C' as captain. He not only earned respect for his play but also for his steady leadership, helping guide teammates and setting a tone of accountability on and off the ice.

Left to right: Brandin Cote, Huskie men's hockey head coach; Shannon Chinn, Huskie Athletics Chief Athletics Officer; Gunner Kinniburgh, Huskie men's hockey captain; Shannon and Jill Briske, alumni and donors; Peter Stoicheff, USask president and vice-chancellor; Cheryl Hamelin, USask vice-president of University Relations.

"Wearing the C' was one of the greatest thrills of my life," Briske recalled. "It wasn't just about leading on the ice, but about setting an example for my teammates, and representing the Huskies in the community."

His experience as a student-athlete continues to shape his approach to leadership and fuels his commitment to giving back to the Huskie men's hockey program, as an alumnus.

Now a senior financial advisor with Assante Wealth Management, Briske and his family have made a $500,000 gift to the Huskie Men's Hockey Excellence Fund.

Introduced in 2023, the Huskie Men's Hockey Excellence Fund was established from a shared vision by Kerry Preete (BComm'95), Glen Hawker, and former Huskie head coach Mike Babcock (LLD'16), who recognized the need to sustain Huskie hockey on the national stage. Their leadership and generosity kickstarted the fund, laying the foundation for a program focused on player and coach development, recruitment, academic development for student-athletes, and scholarships.

Subsequent gifts made by USask alumni and longtime Huskie hockey supporters Greg Chudiak (BSc'87), Tim Leier (BSc'85, BusAdmin'89, BComm'92) and Merlis Belsher (BComm'57, LLB'63, LLD'18), among many others, continued the momentum of the fund's launch.

"We are deeply grateful to Shannon, Jill, and the Briske family for their incredible generosity and ongoing commitment to Huskie Athletics," said Cheryl Hamelin, vice-president of University Relations at USask. "Huskie hockey is an important part of our university community and gifts like this ensure our student-athletes have the resources and opportunities to succeed both on the ice and in the classroom. The Briskes' leadership helps us continue building a program that inspires Huskie Pride across our campuses and beyond."

As expenses in hockey remain high, in addition to a competitive landscape for recruiting the best student-athletes in U SPORTS, Briske believes that gifts like this and other support for the fund will keep Huskie hockey a national leader in the long run.

"Creating a destination for top prospective Huskie athletes is critical in continuing our status as the #1 program in the country," he said. "Donor support helps to create the best facilities, fully funded scholarships, skilled support staff, and travel and meals that heighten the experience for our team." 

Giving back to Huskie hockey is nothing new for Briske and his wife Jill (BSc'14) who donated $200,000 in 2017 as part of the Home Ice Campaign, backing efforts of alumni and the community to support the construction of Merlis Belsher Place. He also helped establish the Off the Leash Luncheon, an annual fundraiser entering its 16th year for Huskie hockey scholarships.

"Supporting Huskie hockey has been incredibly rewarding," said Briske. "I believe that our alumni and the players have the best relationship in the country. These young men continually share their appreciation with our group, and we continue to nurture this relationship." 

"The generosity of Shannon and Jill Briske is a powerful testament to the strength of our Huskie alumni community and the lasting impact of the student-athlete experience," said Shannon Chinn, chief athletics officer for Huskie Athletics. "Their leadership and commitment to the Huskie Men's Hockey Excellence Fund are driving the continued success of the Huskies nationally competitive program that supports our athletes in every facet from performance and development to academics and well-being. This gift moves us closer to our vision of being the top destination for elite hockey talent in Canada."

The gift from the Briske family is a milestone for the Huskie Men's Hockey Excellence Fund, propelling the total amount raised to $2 million. As the goal for the fund shifts to reaching the $3 million mark, Briske reflects on why it is important to continue to give.

"It is hard to put a price on the student-athlete experience I enjoyed I would say it was priceless' honestly," he said. "This is why Jill and I are so dedicated to continuing to support this program so near and dear to my heart. My hope is that current and future Huskies will have the same experience and opportunities given to me."

For more information about the Huskie Men's Hockey Excellence Fund and to donate, visit give.usask.ca.