OHL Windsor Spitfires

Windsor Spitfires to Host Mental Health Awareness Game in Partnership with CMHA Windsor-Essex

Published on February 1, 2023 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release


WINDSOR, ON. - The Windsor Spitfires have partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association, of Windsor-Essex for a mental health awareness game on Thursday February 2nd with puck drop at 7:05pm, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, when the Windsor Spitfires take on the Soo Greyhounds at the WFCU 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 Windsor-Essex.

Videos featuring Windsor Spitfire players talking about the importance of mental health

Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Windsor-Essex.

A CMHA fundraising component

This mental health awareness game is part of the Windsor Spitfire's ongoing partnership with CMHA Windsor-Essex 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.

"Approximately one in five youth struggles with mental health and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults between 15-34 years. Partnerships like Talk Today provide an opportunity to let athletes know they are not alone and that programs and supports are available." says Dr. Sonja Grbevski, CEO, CMHA-WECB.

"The Talk Today program is a vital resource for our entire organization. They provide support and mental health resources to individuals in need, and they have equipped our players with educational training that they can use going forward in their lives." said Nick Welsh, Communications, Media and Community Relations Manager of the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club.

"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 $18.80. For ticket information, please visit windsorspitfires.com.

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