IceDogs to Host Talk Today Game with CMHA on February 13
February 10, 2020 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release
Niagara, ON - The Niagara IceDogs have partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association in Niagara for a mental health awareness game on Thursday, February 13th, 2020, presented by Teachers Life, when the IceDogs take on the Barrie Colts at the Meridian Centre.
The game day experience will have several features to promote the importance of mental health, including:
A CMHA-run kiosk on the concourse where fans can learn more about mental health and the organization's community-based services
Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Niagara branch
Mental health signs for fans to write on and show in unison at a designated stoppage in play
This mental health awareness game is part of the IceDogs's ongoing partnership with CMHA Niagara and its Talk Today program, presented by Teachers Life. Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. Through this program, over 1,100 OHL players and over 400 coaches, billets and staff have received mental health and suicide prevention training across the league.
The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need. Additionally, CMHA experts work with players from the Niagara IceDogs to deliver a basic in-class presentation about mental wellness to elementary school students.
"One in five youth struggles with mental health. By hosting this event, the Niagara IceDogs and CMHA Niagara are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and encouraging discussion within the community about mental health." said Tara McKendrick, Executive Director of CMHA Niagara.
"Games like this one reinforce to me how lucky I am to be working in such an incredible league. On who works tirelessly with all its member clubs to make sure organizations like the CMHA and the Talk Today program receive added attention and focus, which could not be more important." said Joey Burke, General Manager of the Niagara IceDogs. "Talk Today is one of the most important initiatives that our league, and that we [IceDogs] are involved with. To shine light on the importance of mental health is something that is extremely important in today's world, and to be able to let those who are struggling know they are not alone, and that there are outlets for you, can make all the difference in someone's world. To be able, as an organization, to help any way we can is something we jump at the chance to do."
"The entire Niagara IceDogs organization is committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health, and providing an outlet and means for anyone to get the help they need. Thank you to the CMHA, Talk Today program and Go Dogs Go!"
Tickets for the game are still available, starting from $15. For ticket information, contact the Niagara IceDogs at 905-687-3641 or visit the IceDogs Business Office, open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00pm.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2020
- Peterborough Petes Players of the Week for the Week Ending February 9 - Peterborough Petes
- Soo Greyhounds to Host Mental Health Awareness Game - Soo Greyhounds
- Oksentyuk Named OHL 'On the Run' Player of the Week - Flint Firebirds
- Firebirds' Evgeniy Oksentyuk Named OHL 'On the Run' Player of the Week - OHL
- Bode Wilde Returned to Spirit by Islanders - Saginaw Spirit
- Kaleb Pearson Named Huron Tractor 'Attacker of the Week' - Owen Sound Attack
- IceDogs to Host Talk Today Game with CMHA on February 13 - Niagara IceDogs
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