Fans attending the Feb. 5 matchup between the North Bay Battalion and Windsor Spitfires will witness more than just goals—they’ll be part of a movement promoting mental wellness
The ice won’t be the only thing heating up when the North Bay Battalion face off against the Windsor Spitfires—this time, they’re also taking on stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.
Sometimes in hockey, the greatest play is the assist.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. CMHA North and District will take on mental health and addiction stigma when the North Bay Battalion face off against the Windsor Spitfires at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.
The game day experience will raise awareness, promote education, and celebrate that recovery from substance use disorder is possible, and features a musical performance that gives voice to “the hidden pain of addiction and challenges the stereotypes that often silence those seeking help.”
There will also be an information table where fans can learn about the organization’s services and programs, and a stress puck will be given to the first 300 fans to visit the table
This mental health awareness game is part of the Battalion’s partnership with CMHA North Bay and District through CMHA’s Talk Today program.
“Since 2014, Talk Today has supported and addressed the mental health needs of hockey players and other athletes across Canada,” says a release. “During its first 10 seasons, nearly 8,600 individuals received mental health and suicide awareness training. While the vast majority were athletes (7,598), coaches (381), staff (217), billets, and parents (400) also participated in training, helping to create a culture of openness within athlete support networks.”
The core focus of Talk Today is 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.
“Athletes are often surrounded by high pressure to perform, intense competitiveness and heightened stigma around asking for help, particularly when it comes to mental health,” said Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA North Bay and District. “Programs like Talk Today help athletes to break down those barriers and prioritize their mental health.
“Game night is our opportunity to extend that same support to the fans, show the community what we stand for, and encourage them to seek help when they need it.”
“We have seen such incredible benefits with the mental health and wellness of our own players,” said Adam Dennis, North Bay Battalion President. “The education they receive has given them tools for their own well-being and has helped raise awareness in their own personal networks at school and at home.”
Get tickets to the game here.
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