Hockey Talks

The Winnipeg Jets, along with the 6 Canadian NHL teams participated in the 3rd annual Hockey Talks, a month long initiative supported by the National Hockey League. Hockey Talks ran throughout the month of February, with the intent to bring increased dialogue and awareness to mental health and effective treatments. Its goal was to bring this topic to the forefront in the public realm and alleviate misconception and stigma that has been unfairly associated with mental illness. With the collaboration of the seven Canadian hockey clubs, this message has had an extensive reach, connecting with citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

The month long initiative culminated on February 23, 2016, when the Winnipeg Jets hosted Hockey Talks at their home game vs. the Dallas Stars. The Jets had in-arena messaging, as well as mental health resources available to all fans. The response from our fans was overwhelmingly positive and appreciative of the dialogue the Winnipeg Jets helped to create.

In support of Hockey Talks, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation sold Winnipeg Jets player worn Hockey Talks shirts, welcomed 6 local mental health agencies to host information booths and provide mental health resources to fans at the Winnipeg Jets home game, as well as displayed Hockey Talks rink boards in the MTS Centre. The proceeds from the sale of the player worn shirts were in support of the WJTNF’s own mental health program, Project 11.