Pressure of sports can lead to mental health challenges
Coming on the heels of Bell Let’s Talk events, this week’s Rastall OHL file takes a deep dive into mental health in the league.
It often gets lost on spectators that the young men who make up the league are just that, young men. And with the complexities of being a normal teenager, throwing in the added pressures of competitive hockey, mental health can sometimes take a hit.
“Pressure of performance, pressure not to fail and then when you add on top of it some professional aspects, like these are still young men,” said Sudbury Wolves assistant coach, Gary Ricciardi.
“The conversation about mental health stretches beyond the coaching and administrative staff in the league. Players say it’s important to use their platform to have a voice for those who might not have the ability to speak up about their well-being.”
“You don’t always see mental health like an injury,” said Wolves forward Evan Condon.
“You don’t always see it, but people are suffering so it’s something important and something I look out for in my teammates and other people.”
North Bay Battalion forward Dalyn Wakely said it’s important to reach out to someone who might need to talk to someone.
“I think it’s important for anybody, whether it’s a hockey player or somebody going through school, you know, anybody, make sure you’re sharing how you’re feeling,” Wakely said.
Ricciardi said the league takes mental health very seriously.
“As an organization, and as role models within the community, we should advocate for others and we should always be willing to have these hard conversations,” he said.
Beyond conversations, Ricciardi said the organization hosts regular seminars and meetings to check in on the team, in addition to an app and phone number players can call anytime.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hamas says latest ceasefire talks have ended. Israel vows military operation in 'very near future'
The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after "in-depth and serious discussions,"{ the Hamas militant group said Sunday, reiterating key demands that Israel again rejected.
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
'The Fall Guy' gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a US$28.5M opening
"The Fall Guy," the Ryan Gosling-led, action-comedy ode to stunt performers, opened below expectations with US$28.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, providing a lukewarm start to a summer movie season that's very much to be determined for Hollywood.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.