Talk Today Hockey Game- February 20th, 2025

Dec 10, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Barrie Colts to Host Mental Health & Addiction Awareness Game in Partnership with CMHA Simcoe County

[Barrie, ON – February 19, 2025] – The Barrie Colts have partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch (CMHA SCB) for a Mental Health & Addiction Awareness Game on February 20 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Owen Sound Attack.

This special game night will shine a spotlight on mental health and addiction awareness, offering fans the chance to learn, engage, and show their support.

Game Day Highlights

Fans attending the game can expect several interactive features aimed at promoting mental health awareness, including:

• CMHA SCB Information Booth – Learn about mental health, addiction, and local support services.
• Ceremonial Puck Drop – A special moment to recognize the importance of mental health in sports.
• Player Video Messages – Barrie Colts players sharing why mental health matters.
• Public Service Announcements – Raising awareness about mental health and CMHA SCB services.
• Fan Engagement – Spectators will write messages of support on signs and display them together during a designated stoppage in play.
• CMHA SCB Fundraising Component – Donations from the event will support local mental health and addiction programs.

Talk Today: 11 Years of Supporting Mental Health in Hockey

This game is part of Talk Today, one of Canada’s most comprehensive mental health initiatives for young athletes. Now in its 11th season, Talk Today has trained nearly 8,600 individuals, including players, coaches, billets, and parents, in mental health and suicide awareness. Each Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team is also paired with a CMHA mental health coach, ensuring players have access to support whenever they need it.

Why This Matters

“The Barrie Colts’ Mental Health & Addiction Awareness Game is a powerful reminder that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Through initiatives like Talk Today, we’re ensuring that players, fans, and our community know that support is always available. Together, we can break the stigma and foster open conversations about mental health and addiction.”
— Liz Grummett, Manager of Fundraising, Communications & Community Engagement, CMHA Simcoe County

“The Barrie Colts are proud to be a part of the ongoing initiatives and resources that CMHA Simcoe County provides to our entire organization.”
— Rob Ferguson, Team Services Manager, Barrie Colts Hockey Club, Ontario Hockey League

Get Your Tickets!

Don’t miss this meaningful night of hockey and mental health awareness. Tickets are still available—visit barriecolts.ticketpro.ca to secure yours today!

For more information on Talk Today, visit www.talktoday.ca.

Media Contact:

Liz Grummett
Manager of Fundraising, Communications & Community Engagement
CMHA Simcoe County
📞 705-726-5033 Ext. 512
✉️ lgrummett@cmhastarttalking.ca

About Syngenta: 

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, comprised of Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world-class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group with 49,000 people in more than 100 countries working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan, we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for carbon neutral agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy, and partnering for impact. 

About Grain Farmers of Ontario: 

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $27 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 90,000 jobs in the province. 

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario: 

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization funded by the provincial Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 30 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year. 

About the Ontario Hockey League: 

The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. Last season, more than nine million fans attended CHL games in the regular season, playoffs and at the Mastercard Memorial Cup. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U Sports than any other league.  For more information, visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com. 

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