Canucks: Why the Hockey Talks initiative is so important

Hockey is full of hard, relentless battles on the ice, but the Vancouver Canucks are hoping to bring attention to an even more important battle off the ice.

On Wednesday, the Canucks hosted their 9th annual Hockey Talks game, facing off against the Ottawa Senators in their second meeting of the season.

Every year, the organization shows its support by sharing resources, engaging in open and honest discussions, and promoting awareness towards the cause. More importantly, the Canucks use this evening to remember the life and legacy of Rick Rypien.

Throughout his time in Vancouver, Rypien was known as one of the most physical and agitating players in the league. Unknown to many, however, he was also facing a much tougher fight outside of the rink.

Rypien had been diagnosed with clinical depression.

He struggled with mental health illness for much of his career, and despite moments of positivity and support, he ultimately didn’t have enough strength to battle on. He tragically took his own life on August 15th, 2011.

Since then, the Canucks have always been passionate about breaking the silence around mental health issues. And although the in-arena ceremonies were much different leading up to puck drop compared to previous years, the Canucks still had the same goal as before: to end the negative stigma.

Throughout the day, the Canucks used their various social media platforms to spread messages of encouragement and togetherness. Both players and coaching staff wore Hockey Talk shirts during their pre-game media availability, and the former also donned matching helmet decals throughout the game.

Since its foundation in 2013, the Hockey Talks initiative has seen tremendous growth throughout the league, with 17 other teams now participating annually. It’s a huge step for the sport, and the Canucks are hoping to get the support of all 31 (soon-to-be 32) teams to truly end the fight against mental health, once and for all.

Unfortunately, there is still work to be done.

We’re still living in an era where hockey players are facing constant pressure to live up to the hard-shelled, stoic characters that have preceded them in the league. It’ll take a collective effort, no doubt, to change this image for the better, and forward Tyler Motte is hoping to be at the forefront of this movement.

Just this past year, Motte shared his story about battling anxiety and depression.

Motte, who joined the team in February 2018 via trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, had previously kept his mental health struggles behind closed doors. Like many others who were suffering, Motte did not want his teammates or coaches to treat him differently. But, at the end of the day, the 25-year old Michigan native knew that speaking up would be the crucial first step towards overcoming his struggle.

And it’s a decision that has had a tremendous impact to this day.

Motte currently serves as one of the team’s Hockey Talks ambassadors, and his honesty, vulnerability and openness helps grow and strengthen the program, year after year.

Recently, Motte was joined by Canuck alumni Corey Hirsch and Kirk McLean, who have both been open about addiction and substance abuse challenges amongst men, to promote the important message about positive mental health.

Together, the trio continues to candidly speak about their personal struggles, all with the hopes that others will feel more comfortable coming forward and seeking the right treatment for their own mental health journeys.

And with the difficulties and defeats of the global pandemic still looming, Motte understands that now, more than ever, we all need to look out for one another.

"“It hits home for me obviously. Last year being able to share my story with the hope of helping others. If you’re not going through it, there may be someone close to you who is. Times are hard for everyone right now”"

Canucks fans will always support this initiative, taking immense pride that their team was the first to openly advocate for such a relevant cause in today’s society. And as we approach the 10-year anniversary of Rypien’s death, it’s important to remember that we must continue to work together to end the stigma around mental health.

To learn more about the Hockey Talks initiative, including game nights, social media campaigns and resources, click here.