The Sun relays that the Winnipeg Jets are taking steps to generate discussion about mental health and effective treatments.
Along with taking part in the Hockey Talks initiative with the six other Canadian NHL teams (#hockeytalks), the Jets unveiled plans for Project 11, an education plan for youth in Manitoba that focuses on positive mental health awareness.
The program was inspired and created in honour of Rick Rypien, a feisty forward who got his start in pro hockey with the Manitoba Moose and signed with the Jets before taking his own life after battling depression.
"Our willingness to speak out about a subject that is not openly talked about has helped a number of people," said Jets assistant general manager Craig Heisinger, who was part of Rypien's support group. "Not many days go by where I don't think of Ripper, that's just the way it is. When Rick wanted to get his story out there, he had an opportunity to make a powerful message because I knew what he had lived through and his passion to get it out there.
"There were times when he wanted to talk about it, but it was probably not going to be the right time. It seemed like the right time was coming. Before his untimely passing, it seemed like it was right around the corner."
Rypien never shared his message publicly, but this initiative should allow others an opportunity to do so — or to get the help they need.
"He would be happy because his focus had always been to try and help other people," said Heisinger. "I think Rick's legacy started when he arrived here with the Moose. Sort of the little guy that couldn't, but found a way. The legacy is ongoing and it's up to us to try and keep it going."
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