Sault Ste. Marie, February 22nd, 2024 – For the 10th season, the Soo Greyhounds are partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association, CMHA Algoma for a mental health awareness game on Saturday February 24th (7:07pm puck drop), presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, when the Soo Greyhounds take on the Peterborough Petes at the GFL Memorial Gardens .
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 Algoma
- Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Algoma
This mental health awareness game marks 10 seasons that the Soo Greyhounds and CMHA Algoma have partnered to deliver a Talk Today program. This year’s game is presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League during the 2014-15 season, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. Through this program, over 1,850 OHL players and over 575 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.
“We are here to support our team, the Soo Greyhounds, as well as the people that surround them. Wishing the team the best of luck! Said Annette Katajamaki, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA Algoma.
“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, for ticket information, visit www.gflgardens.ca/greyhounds or stop by the SK Group Box Office during business hours. The SK Group Box office is open Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays from 10am – 2pm and 10am through to game time on game days.
