BCEHL AND BUDDY CHECK FOR JESSE TEAM UP TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

For Immediate Release

October 7, 2021

Saanichton, B.C. – The BCEHL is proud to maintain their support of Buddy Check for Jesse to help provide mental health education and awareness. The goal of Buddy Check for Jesse is to empower and encourage youth and young adults to support one another as we all work to destigmatize mental health.

All BCEHL general managers, coaches and staff participate in a mental health recognition seminar, a session where they learn to identify the signs of distress that a teammate may be exhibiting. They are also provided with self-monitoring techniques, knowledge surrounding modeling healthy behavior, and support resources for themselves and the players.

“Our teenage years are filled with issues and obstacles that can be difficult. Add a global pandemic to the mix and many young people can suffer with mental health challenges,” Commissioner of the BCEHL, Fred Zweep said. “We feel very fortunate that BC Hockey has had a longstanding relationship with Dr. Gershman and Buddy Check for Jesse. The education and resources they provide for our hockey staff and players is invaluable.”

The BCEHL U15 AAA will have nine of their teams competing in a U15 AAA Invitational Tournament this weekend at the Richmond Oval. All of the BCEHL teams competing will have their players using green tape, the colour for mental health awareness, throughout the weekend. The green tape is to demonstrate awareness, camaraderie and support for the goals of Buddy Check for Jesse. It also contributes toward the larger goal of creating an environment where teammates support one another and are more prepared to step in with support when they see a teammate, friend or family member struggling.

“On behalf of the entire Buddy Check for Jesse team, I would like to express my gratitude to BC Hockey for their ongoing recognition of the need for promotion of mental health awareness for their athletes,” Buddy Check for Jesse founder Dr. Stu Gershman said. “They have been leaders in bringing our program to coaches and youth through the unique power of team sport. The players in the BCEHL are going to be the changemakers of the future with respect to pushing and destigmatizing the conversation around mental health. Not only will they have the opportunity to play hockey for the rest of their lives, but they will also be better informed and well-rounded leaders in their communities.”

BC Hockey and Buddy Check for Jesse have been proud supporters of one another since 2018. For more information on Buddy Check for Jesse please click here.

To stream the U15 AAA Invitational Tournament presented by The Wilson’s Group go to www.playfullscreen.com for all the action. The tournament runs October 8th – 10th.