Storm and local CMHA to mark successful partnership
January 14, 2015
For immediate release
GUELPH, ON — In the Ontario Hockey League, mental health matters.
In October of 2014, the OHL and the Ontario chapters of the Canadian Mental Health Association launched their ‘Talk Today’ partnership in response to the tragic suicide of Saginaw Spirit forward Terry Trafford in early 2014. ‘Talk Today’ is designed to reduce the stigma around speaking out and seeking help — while connecting players with the support and expertise they need to stay safe and mentally healthy.
Since then, 30 players and other members of the Guelph Storm organization have completed training sessions on how to talk about mental health. A smaller number have taken intensive courses on how to de-escalate a situation where self-harm may be possible.
To celebrate the success of this program, January 18th is ‘TALK TODAY NIGHT’ at the Sleeman Centre as the Storm host the Kingston Frontenacs.
Mike Kelly, Vice President and General Manager of the Storm said this about the training: “The mental health program was attended by Storm players, coaches, trainers, managers and owners. The impact of the 3-hour seminar was profound on each and every one of us. The maturity and sensitivity demonstrated by our players to the topic of mental health and suicide was truly remarkable. Everyone left the workshop with a better understanding of mental health issues and the tools to help us deal with them.”
“To make it to the OHL, you often need to be the best of the best amongst your peers,” added Fred Wagner, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (CMHAWWD). “But it’s important to remember that these are young adults who are under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure. They’re vulnerable to mental health challenges just like you or me. I’m very proud of the whole Storm organization for the commitment they’ve shown to the mental health and wellbeing of their players. Our hope is that this is just the beginning of what Talk Today can do to establish mental health as an important part of the locker room conversation.”
The January 18th game will feature an information booth about Here 24/7, the local gateway to mental health, addictions and crisis services across our region, as well as public address announcements about Talk Today and local mental health services.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT:
| Andy Best | Phil Golding |
| Communications Specialist | Manager of Branding & Media |
| Canadian Mental Health Association | Guelph Storm Hockey Club |
| Waterloo/Wellington/Dufferin | 519-837-9690 ext. 108 |
| 226-218-7167 | [email protected] |
| [email protected] |
The 2014-15 season is presented by RBC Play Hockey.
