The Hockey Talks mental health awareness initiative began in 2012, following the tragic passing of Canucks player Rick Rypien in 2011. Rick was a hockey hero, a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. The Vancouver Canucks are committed to honouring Rick’s legacy by telling his story and carrying out his mission to support youth and families struggling with mental health challenges.

On February 27th, we will continue to support positive change around mental health when we host our 11th annual Hockey Talks game. Fans are encouraged to take to social media to share personal messages and messages of support to create an open dialogue and awareness about mental health, using the #HockeyTalks.

#HockeyTalks Social Media Campaign

Fans are encouraged to share personal messages and messages of support to create an atmosphere of open dialogue and awareness about mental health, using the hashtag #HockeyTalks.

Hockey Talks Playbook

If you would like more information about how to run your own Hockey Talks game night, please reach out to gill.sorenson@canucks.com to receive our Hockey Talks Playbook.

Foundry’s Provincial Virtual Services

Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can utilize the Foundry BC app to access same day mental health and wellness services or schedule virtual appointments in advance! Youth and caregivers can also browse through Foundry’s online library of tools and resources.

Kids Help Phone

(1-800-668-6868) has toll-free, 24-hour phone, counselling and referral service for young people. You can also connect by texting CONNECT to 686868, and chat confidentially with a trained, volunteer Crisis Responder for support with any issue.

Here2Talk

Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.

BounceBack Program

If you’re 15 or older and struggling with mild to moderate depression, stress or anxiety, BounceBack® can help. It’s free, confidential, and can be accessed from anywhere.

Coaching is available in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese or Punjabi.

Indigenous Initiatives Network

Through the 24/7 Crisis TEXT Line powered by Kids Help Phone, Indigenous youth and adults now have the option of connecting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis crisis responders when available.

Simply text “First Nations” “Metis” or “Inuit” to 68 68 68 (youth) or 741 741 (adults) and individuals will be connected with a corresponding crisis responder if available.

First Nations Health Authority

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) provides culturally safe services to Indigenous people in BC including Mental Health and Wellness and COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellness.

Stop Overdose

Launched in 2019 by the BC Government’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, StopOverdose aims to combat stigma around addiction and provide life-saving information to British Columbians during a public health emergency.

Other Resources for Indigenous Canadians

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. Adults: 250-723-4050, Youth Line: 250-723-2040, or call toll free: 1-800-588-8717

The Métis Crisis Line is a service of Métis Nation British Columbia. Call 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722)..

Canada-wide Resources

Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (More information is available here). Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca

Native Youth Crisis Hotline 1-877-209-1266. Answered by staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available throughout Canada and the US.