Despite uncertain scheduling due to the COVID cloud that appeared over the Hurricanes recently, North Carolina’s favorite NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes, hosted a “Hockey Talks” night this past Sunday. Not only did the Canes pull out a comeback win against the Dallas Stars in a shootout after OT, but they also demonstrated who the real Stars are off the ice as well.
This night was especially focused on encouraging conversations about mental health and reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness. The Canes Players sported Hockey Talks Mental Health Awareness decals on their helmets for the game and wore awareness t-shirts during their workouts and with the media. Additionally, Canes sports memorabilia was auctioned off online with a portion of the proceeds to be divided between local Mental Health partner organizations–including NAMI North Carolina!
In addition to the mental health awareness activities on social media and during the game, NAMI NC’s Board President, Judy Jenkins, was featured in pregame coverage in an interview with FOX Sports.
You too can still be a part of this wonderful event. The Canes have T-shirts available to the public, comparable to the shirt Canes Captain Jordan Staal wore during his post game interview. Sales of shirts also benefit mental health organizations like the auction mentioned above. The shirts are available here.
