Mental health and the OHL
It’s considered to be the top development program for the National Hockey League but the Ontario Hockey League also has a good history of trying to do good for its players away from the rink.
Education packages for those who opt to attend post-secondary school after their OHL careers have ended are now a formal part of the standard player agreement.
And just over two years ago, the OHL teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Teachers Life to try to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
The awareness campaign is part of an ongoing commitment by OHL teams and CMHA branches throughout Ontario to implement what is called “Talk Today.”
Talk Today is designed to provide mental health support to players as well as raising awareness about mental health and suicide throughout Ontario cities that house OHL teams.
The OHL and CMHA introduced a game night schedule for this season that began in January and carries into February and March. All 20 OHL teams have or will play host to a Talk Today awareness game where fans can get more information about the programs and services offered by the CMHA.
Close to home, North Bay Battalion will play host to its CMHA game night on Thursday, February 16. Sudbury Wolves will follow suit on Friday, February 17 and Soo Greyhounds on Saturday, February 18.
The OHL’s three American-based teams will also play host to a CMHA game night. For example, the Flint Firebirds will take its turn on Friday, February 24 in conjunction with the Ontario-based CMHA of Windsor-Essex County.
To be sure, Talk Today has made a major impact in the OHL with over 725 players, more than 200 billets and more than 85 coaches and front office staff having received mental health and suicide prevention training to date.
OHL teams have also been active in incorporating the topic of mental health into their in-school visit programs while working alongside the respective CMHA branches. For instance, players have been visiting select elementary schools communicating personal messages about managing stress.
Talk Today has become a mandatory program for all OHL teams that operates in conjunction with other league programs in the areas of drug awareness, health and safety education and respect for women.
Well done, OHL.