Hockey Talks is a program that was inspired by Rick Rypien, former Canucks & Jets forward, who tragically lost his battle with mental health issues in 2011. Today, several NHL clubs participate, sharing resources and stories to break the stigma about mental illness. Fans are encouraged to share messages of support on social media to create an atmosphere of open dialogue and awareness about mental health, using the hashtag #HockeyTalks.
Hockey Talks Night
Join us at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, January 21, as the Montreal Canadiens host their annual Hockey Talks Night during their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Conference Hockey Talks
On January 8, the Montreal Canadiens hosted a conference on mental health and performance anxiety in partnership with Sport’Aide and Youth in Mind Foundation. More than 140 young hockey players from Collège Charles-Lemoyne attended an inspiring presentation by Jean-François Ménard, mental performance coach for the Canadiens. The event continued with a panel discussion featuring Paul Byron, former Canadiens player and current player development consultant; forward Patrik Laine and his partner Jordan Leigh, co-founders of From Us to You; and Antoine Morin, program manager at Youth in Mind Foundation. The panelists shared personal stories, offered practical advice, and presented tools to help young people take better care of their mental health.
Printable Hockey Talks card
Download a printable version of our Hockey Talks talk bubble sign and use it to write messages of support or actions you’re taking to support yourself or someone you care about. Join the conversation on mental health by snapping a pic and sharing a photo of your card on social media with the #HockeyTalks hashtag.
About Bell Let’s Talk
The largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk is focused on 4 key action pillars – Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership – and is part of Bell for Better. Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has partnered with more than 1,500 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations.
Join Canada's 15th national day for mental health on January 22
Youth mental health is a growing concern. On January 22, 2025, Bell Let's Talk invites all Canadians to support youth mental health.
Jeunes en Tête Foundation
The mission of the Fondation Jeunes en Tête is to prevent psychological distress in young people aged 11 to 18 in Quebec by providing teens, their parents and school staff with online tools and awareness workshops in schools.
From Us to You
Patrik Laine and his partner Jordan Leigh are the founders of From Us to You, which is focused on sharing stories, advice, and support for overcoming adversity and prioritizing mental health.
Sport’Aide
Sport’Aide’s mission is to lead initiatives that promote the development of a healthy, safe, and harmonious environment in sports, recreation, and outdoor activities. It aims to ensure these conditions are maintained for all stakeholders across Québec, at every level.
Mental health organizations
Unsure where to turn for help? Start by speaking with a trusted health professional. You can also consult below a list of organizations that offer services and other helpful resources. If you are in crisis, please go to your local hospital, call 911 immediately or visit 988.ca to find helplines and other crisis resources in your community. If you’re thinking about suicide, you can call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, state programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. In addition to offering clinical care to more than 34,000 patients each year, the CAMH conducts ground-breaking research, provides expert training to health care professionals and scientists, develops innovative health promotion and prevention strategies, and advocates on public policy issues at all levels of government.
Interligne is a front-line organization that, through its listening, intervention, and awareness services, contributes to the well-being of people concerned with sexual diversity and gender plurality. Their hotline is available 24 hours a day to help, support and inform anyone with questions regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Phone: 1-888-505-1010, Text: 1-888-505-1010, Chat: interligne.co, Email: aide@interligne.co
Jack.org is a national charity training and empowering a network of young leaders who are revolutionizing mental health. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, Jack Summits and Be There, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. Jack.org is working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A Canada without shame, where all those who need support access the help.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate assistance to First Nations and Inuit. Qualified and culturally competent counsellors can help you if you need to talk, are in distress, or want to be referred to dedicated wellness resources. Mental wellness counselling and crisis intervention services are available to all Indigenous people across Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Phone: 1-855-242-3310, Chat: hopeforwellness.ca
Thinking about suicide? Worried about someone? Struggling with a loss from suicide? Professional and confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, everywhere in Canada. Connect with a counsellor at any time, by: Phone: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7), Text: Send an SMS to 45645 (from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST), Chat: suicide.ca (service available in Quebec only), If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
