Rangers and OHL partnering with CMHA for “Talk Today” program

They’re fighting mental health, through education and training.

The Kitchener Rangers and Ontario Hockey League is partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association in a program called, “Talk Today”.

Camille Quenneville, with the Ontario CMHA, says they’re ready to educate.

“We’re going to provide suicide awareness and training to the players, and a separate training for coaches, and parents and billet parents,” says Quenneville. “We’re going to have champions within each team, and we’re going to have events in the areas.”

The hope is to also throw a mental health event, hosted by the league.

Quenneville echoed the statement CHL and OHL Commissioner, David Branch has said repetitively since the announcement.

“He believes we have to break down that barrier where these young boys are really of the view or are taught or assume it would be weak or inappropriate for them to indicate they’re struggling with their mental health or to reach out for help,” says Quenneville.

She says everyone at CMHA and the OHL know it can be a tough time being away from home for the young adults in the league, and they need the support.

“They’re under a lot of pressure in terms of their ability on-ice, many of them have visions of grandeur; they want to play in the NHL,” says Quenneville. “They don’t have the support network they’re used to having. Their parents aren’t there. Their friends aren’t there, and they’re out of a school routine they’re used to.”

The “Talk Today” program comes after 20-year-old Terry Trafford, a player with the Saginaw Spirit, was found dead in his SUV in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

Police believe his death was a suicide, after he was sent home for violating team rules.

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