Klippers host game in support of mental health awareness

The Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers took on the Nipawin Hawks Friday night, February 9th at the West Central Events Centre. A ceremonial puck drop with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Rosetown kicked off the Talk Today game in support of mental health awareness.

Talk Today is celebrating its 10th season of supporting junior hockey by spreading awareness about the benefits of positive mental health throughout communities across the country. It strives to promote the mental health of young athletes by partnering with the Kindersley Klippers.

A CMHA-run kiosk on game day provided fans with information about mental health and the organization’s community-based services. The program strives to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention, as well as linking each team to a CMHA Mental Health Coach who provides support and mental health resources to those in need.

Each organization also establishes a Mental Health Champion, a trusted leader within the organization to whom athletes can feel comfortable expressing a mental health concern. This person acts as a liaison to the Mental Health Coach.

Carmen Ledding, program director of CMHA Rosetown, said she appreciates the Klippers allowing them to use their platform to share information about local community-based mental health services at the Friday evening game.

Clayton Jardine, head coach and general manager of the Klippers, said the team appreciates the support and information provided by CMHA Rosetown and the Talk Today program.

The Klippers won the game 4-3!