Professional hockey players, coaches and team staff will now have access to a new tool to obtain support in situations involving mental health issues.
The American Hockey League (AHL), Canadian Hockey League (CHL), ECHL, new Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF) and United States Hockey League (USHL) are joining forces. Together, they created the Center for Respect in Hockey, a centralized platform where it will be possible to access mental health support and to report incidents of bullying, violence, harassment or discrimination confidential.
The said Center, an initiative made possible thanks to a grant from the NHL, will be deployed gradually during the season. It will be managed independently by REES (Respect, Educate, Equip Survivors), while the Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport will provide mental health support.
“The existence of a common platform, which will follow players throughout their evolution in the world of hockey and which they will get to know, so that they will feel comfortable for use when necessary, is a key element for the direction to be taken,” supports the commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Mario Cecchini, in a press release.
At a time when allegations of misconduct and ethical lapses are rife in sport, leagues are seeking, the release states, to do their part to reduce barriers to reporting violence “so that to cultivate a respectful, inclusive and psychologically healthy atmosphere in hockey.”
“This is a milestone on the path to improving the safety and atmosphere in our sport,” said AHL CEO Scott Howson. Of course, we know we still have a lot of work ahead of us, and we will continue to work to deliver on our commitment to making this game a safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive space. »
