The Sarnia-Lambton hockey community has come together to Face Off for Mental Health.
The annual mental health awareness campaign will see players tape their sticks green, as a visual reminder, not only for players, but for fans, families and officials that it's ok to talk about mental health.
Point Edward Hockey Association President Liz Page said they believe the best time to introduce the campaign is when kids understand what mental health is.
"We see kids at St. Clair Child and Youth from zero to 18, so there's infant mental health and even our early years from zero to six population is a very crucial time to introduce the idea of mental wellness and coping strategies," said Page. "It's never too early to introduce the concept."
Page said on average, around 3,000 skaters take part in the initiative each year.
"It really sparks the conversation in the rink with the officials, with other family members and even visiting teams will ask how come the stick is taped green, and that sparks a great conversation about mental health awareness," she said. "One in five players struggle with mental health."
Face Off for Mental Health (#FOFMH) runs until December 11.
-With files from Colin Gowdy
