The Guelph Storm are hosting a mental health awareness game on Friday night when they take on the Sarnia Sting at the Sleeman Centre.
The event is being put on in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
The team said there will be several features to promote the importance of mental health including a CMHA kiosk and public service announcements.
There will also be a ceremonial puck drop with CMHA Waterloo Wellington and videos featuring Storm players talking about mental health.
Fans will be able to write on and show mental health signs at a designated stoppage in play.
The mental health awareness game is part of the Guelph Storm’s ongoing partnership with CMHA’s Talk Today program.
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“Talk Today provides mental health support and raises suicide awareness among the Guelph Storm organization and throughout the OHL, said Fred Wagner, executive director of CMHA Waterloo Wellington.
“By hosting this event, the Guelph Storm are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues.”
The team said the key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention.
It was originally launched in 2014 and through the program, over 1,000 OHL players and over 400 coaches, billets and staff have received mental health training.
“We are proud to be part of the Talk Today program and the skills that our players are learning are ones they will carry for life,” said Rick Gaetz, Guelph Storm partner and governor.
“This is about much more than just hockey.”
The Storm are heading into the game against Sarnia in fourth place in the OHL’s western conference and with a record of 8-1-3 in their last 12 games.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and Larry Mellott will have the call live on 1460 CJOY.