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 Ontario Hockey League

CMHA Ontario Partners with OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence

April 24, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release


Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in association with the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) are proud to announce a partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario and the OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence.

"On behalf of the Ontario Hockey League I am pleased that our partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario has expanded to include the OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence," said OHL Commissioner David Branch. "Mental illness directly or indirectly affects everyone at some point in their life and it's important that our amateur athletes are equipped with the resources to help identify and deal with mental health issues."

In October, 2014, the OHL and CMHA, Ontario launched their partnership and a new initiative called Talk Today specifically designed for OHL players and team staff. The Talk Today program is one of, if not, the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada that provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide throughout OHL communities.

"Once again the OHL is showing great commitment to the overall well-being of amateur athletes," said Camille Quenneville, CEO, CMHA Ontario. "Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario welcomes this opportunity to provide mental health awareness to players and parents in the OHL/OHF Under 15 program."

The OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence is a development experience designed to educate and inform players and parents. The goals of the program include: to introduce players, families and staff to high performance hockey, the Program of Excellence, Ontario Hockey League, and Canadian Interuniversity Sport; to create a unique and special life and hockey experience for all players and staff involved; and to develop players and staff both on and off the ice. Players participate in intense, high performance on and off ice sessions and seminars executed by OHL coaches and industry experts. On-ice sessions include practices, a skills combine, and games. Off-ice sessions include seminars with keynote speakers on topics such as sports psychology, nutrition, fitness, and mental health awareness.

"Mental health in today's society is front and centre and it is very important that we ensure our athletes are aware of this disease and how it impacts everyone," said OHF President Bill Bowman. "We welcome the Canadian Mental Heath Association of Ontario to the OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence where they will share information and awareness on mental heath. The benefits of sharing this information with our athletes will ensure that this disease continues to be front and centre and our players will build on their personal mental foundation. This awareness program will benefit our program moving forward and I encourage other athletic programs to do the same."

The Under-15 Program of Excellence was introduced in 2007 and has expanded to include seven different programs coordinated across the province with over 500 annual participants.

2015 OHL/OHF Under-15 Program of Excellence Schedule:

May 1-3 in Kitchener, ON

May 1-3 in Vaughan, ON

May 8-10 in Oshawa, ON

May 8-10 in Windsor, ON

August 7-9 in Sudbury, ON

In addition to the five programs hosted by the OHF, programs were also held April 17-19, 2015, in Thunder Bay, ON, hosted by the OHL and Hockey Northwestern Ontario, with a second program underway in Ottawa, ON, hosted by the OHL and Hockey Eastern Ontario from April 24-26, 2015.


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