Saskatoon murder victim latest tragedy for La Loche

Friends and family are remembering Saskatoon’s latest murder victim as an outgoing person who had a passion for hockey.

Matthew Herman, 22, was the victim of a fatal stabbing that took place early Saturday in a parking lot on Assiniboine Drive and Warman road.

Saskatoon police continue the hunt for suspects in connection with his death, and Tuesday a Canada-wide warrant was issued for 20-year-old Miguel Gomez.

Friends tell CKOM Herman was visiting the city from La Loche when he was killed.

Leonard Montgrand, executive director of the La Loche Friendship Centre, got to know Herman at the centre where he volunteered.

“Always had a smile on his face – happy go lucky guy. Seemed to enjoy life,” Montgrand said.

“It’s pretty sad to see a young man cut down in the prime of his life.”

Montgrand said Herman was the kind of guy who helped others and who stood up for his friends.

He was often spotted mingling or playing hockey at the community rink, Montgrand added.

“He was always there; somewhere helping out, hanging out. He was kind of like a rink rat.”

Friends saluted their former hockey teammate in online tributes.

“We are going to miss you sitting in the dressing room and stepping on the ice with some laughter and jokes. You played the game the way you wanted to play with passion. Especially that deadly toe drag,” wrote Nathan Janvier Monday.

Herman’s death is also a big blow for the La Loche volunteer fire department. Mayor Kevin Janvier said Herman was one of the best they had and wanted to pursue a career as a firefighter.

“When a fire broke out in the community, he was probably the first one there. It was a big loss in our community,” Janvier said.

The fire department has held two days of car washes where over $1,000 has been raised for funeral costs.

Herman’s death is the latest tragedy for the remote northern community, which is still healing from a shooting in January that killed four people and injured seven.

“It’s another tragic waste of life,” Montgrand said.

Montgrand said many in the community are still in disbelief that a senseless crime has taken another young person’s life.

The body is expected to be returned to the community following an autopsy on Thursday.