Power Play for Mental Health: Saving Lives, One Goal at a Time
This hockey season, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is teaming up with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Manitoba and Winnipeg and Manitoba Blue Cross to launch the Power Play for Mental Health campaign. For every goal scored during the 2025–26 MJHL season, Manitoba Blue Cross will donate $1 to support Talk Today, a CMHA program focused on mental health and suicide prevention. This initiative aims to raise awareness and funds to address the pressing issue of youth mental health in Manitoba, where suicide is the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 17. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early intervention and open dialogue in saving lives.
The Talk Today program, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has been instrumental in training coaches, supporting players, and fostering a culture where mental wellness is prioritized. By bringing values like teamwork and courage off the ice, Talk Today equips athletes, coaches, and communities with the skills to recognize and address mental health challenges. The campaign encourages Manitobans to contribute, raise awareness, and support MJHL teams, knowing that every goal scored will make a difference in youth mental health. Donations will help expand Talk Today's training and outreach efforts across the province, emphasizing the life-saving impact of open and safe conversations.
The #GoalsBeyondTheGame movement highlights the compassion and community spirit that define hockey, going beyond competition to promote mental health awareness and support. Manitoba Blue Cross, as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of Manitobans, is proud to be part of this important initiative. Together, the partners aim to use every goal scored this season as a step forward in youth mental health, inspiring more conversations, champions, and ultimately, more lives saved on and off the ice.
In collaboration with the MJHL, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg, and Manitoba Blue Cross, the Power Play for Mental Health campaign is a powerful initiative that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the community. By supporting Talk Today and promoting open dialogue about mental health, the campaign aims to make a positive impact on youth mental health in Manitoba. Every goal scored in the MJHL this season represents more than just a point on the scoreboard—it represents a step towards saving lives and fostering a culture of mental wellness in sports and beyond.