OHL Brampton Steelheads

Steelheads to Host Mental Health Awareness Game

Published on February 8, 2023 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brampton Steelheads News Release


MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Mississauga Steelheads have partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association, Dufferin Peel for a mental health awareness game on Friday February 10 at 7:00PM, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, when the Steelheads take on the Owen Sound Attack at Paramount Fine Foods 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

A ceremonial puck drop and photo opportunity with CMHA Dufferin Peel

Videos featuring Steelheads players talking about the importance of mental health

Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Dufferin Peel

A CMHA fundraising component

This mental health awareness game is part of the Mississauga Steelheads' ongoing partnership with CMHA Dufferin Peel and its Talk Today program, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario. 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 1,450 OHL players and over 550 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.

"Talk Today is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. Its aim is to promote the mental health of young athletes and to spread awareness about the benefits of positive mental health throughout communities across the country," said David Smith, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin. "Every time we have the chance to get folks talking about mental health and addictions, is another chance to decrease stigma and increase the awareness around available resources. Mental health is health and should be treated as such," said Smith.

"Mental wellness is a priority area of focus for Grain Farmers of Ontario as we look to help Ontario grain farmers struggling with mental health issues and to remove any stigma still associated with talking about mental health or seeking help," said Paul Hoekstra, Vice President, Strategic Development, at Grain Farmers of Ontario. "A program like the OHL and CMHA's Talk Today helps start much-needed conversations and educate people about mental health issues. We are thrilled to partner with Syngenta and the OHL to provide this vital program."

"Hockey is a part of many farming communities, so it's natural for us to get involved in such an important cause," said Norm Sutherland, District Manager, Syngenta Canada. "At Syngenta, we prioritize mental wellbeing for our employees and for our customers. Just as mental health should be talked about in the dressing room, it's a necessary discussion on the farm, where daily stresses can take their toll. We're grateful to work alongside CMHA, the OHL, and Grain Farmers of Ontario to elevate the mental health conversation and provide support in rinks and farming communities across the province."

Tickets for the game are still available, starting from $19.00. For ticket information, visit Ticketmaster.ca.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2023


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