talktoday. photos on Flickr

Myles Mattila - Co-Chair Youth Action Team PG - Media Release by Myles Mattila

Press Release - May 5th Prince George BC - Myles Mattila - Prince George Local Action Team - CYMSU Collaborative

May 2-8th is Canadian Mental Health Association’s 65th Annual Mental Health Week and the Canadian Mental Health Association is asking Canadians to GET LOUD for mental health.

Getting loud means speaking up to stop the discrimination and the stigma around mental illness. It means using your voice to raise awareness and build support. For someone at school. For someone on the team. For yourself.

This year, one of the ways the Canadian Mental Health Association is getting loud is by working with the Prince George Local Action Team for Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use to start a Youth Action Team. The Youth Action Team is ready GET LOUD about child and youth mental health in Prince George.

It is estimated that 12.6% or 84,000 children and youth age 4 to 17 in BC are experiencing mental disorders at any given time. Two thirds of these - 58,000 children and youth - are not receiving the level of services they need. Some of the barriers to getting help:

• Fear of stigma, or not wanting others to know

• Not understanding their symptoms or when to seek help

• Not knowing where to go for services or how to get there

The Youth Action Team will work to break down these barriers - to reduce stigma and grow community awareness of mental health and substance use issues affecting children and youth. The Youth Action Team will also serve as a collaborative group that is available to Prince George agencies and organizations who want to include youth perspectives on mental health initiatives and activities.

I’ve joined the Youth Action Team as a Co-chair to help make it easier for children and youth to get the mental health and substance use services and support they need. Join me. We need young people to GET LOUD for mental health. Because the louder we all get, the bigger difference we will make. And there’s a lot of difference to be made.

For more information about the Youth Action Team visit or call …(contact information pending)

--

For more information about this Media statement please contact

Shari Wallace

Project Lead - Prince George Local Action Team

January 20, 2018 Game in Kelowna Dedicated to Kelty Dennehy - MindRight for Athletes Society by Myles Mattila

Kerry & Ginny Dennehy, thank you for your support. I consider it a honour to dedicate our Mental Health Game to your late son Kelty.

We appreciate all you do for youth Mental Health.

Sincerely

Myles Mattila

Founder and Director

MindRight for Athletes Society

Enough is Enough - Youth Depression, Suicide Prevention

www.MindRight.info

The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy

Teenage suicide and depression obviously has a dramatic effect on families, friends and communities. Ginny and Kerry Dennehy, Kelty's parents, are devoted to sharing their experiences with others to help educate and thereby reduce the tragedy of teenage suicide. Kerry shares his son's poignant story with courage and hope...

A small granite tablet in a quiet corner of the Whistler Cemetery marks the last resting place of our son. It reads, "Our Beautiful Boy", Kelty Patrick Dennehy, Nov. 23/83 - Mar 02/01. We were proud to have him in the same row with some of Whistler's early pioneers and legends, Myrtle Philip, Jean Tapley and Dave Murray, giving evidence to the fact that some souls live to a ripe old age and some are taken well before their time.

Kelty suffered from depression, which cast a cloud over his life that proved to be unmanageable. Kelty's friends, family, doctors and psychologists were never able to access, understand or manage his depression. Depression is a disease so insidious that only those who have suffered its depths can describe the loss of self, the loss of hope, and the blackness that snuffs out every ray of light.

Why depression strikes and manifests itself in certain individuals is largely a mystery. Studies indicated that Kelty fit a certain stereotype - a stereotype that most would be surprised to find was high risk for suicide.

Early childhood and youth painted the picture of a fairly typical boy who was average in school, loved sports and got along well with his peers. Kelty seemed to be a well-adjusted all around, likable kid, accepting the bumps and grinds of everyday living. My wife and I are from big, close families and we tried to give him all the love and attention we enjoyed in our own families. We played roles in coaching and supporting his soccer, baseball and hockey teams.

Kelty's first quantum leap into cultural shock came when he insisted that he enroll in Saskatchewan's Notre Dame College. Notre Dame is a private Jesuit school known for its high standards of academics and sports. At first Kelty had trouble adjusting and raised a fuss about coming home. Towards the end of the year he finally settled in and produced good showings on his report card and on the ice with the bantam hockey team.

The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy

Game Hosted by Myles Mattila

Kelty returned home to a summer job as a golf cart attendant at the Chateau Whistler Golf Course. That summer he announced he would like to return to Whistler Secondary School for grade 11. He certainly had developed maturity at Notre Dame, a place where he learned his position in the hierarchy quickly, a place where he cleaned dorms and washed pots, a place where attendance at church and Christian Studies was mandatory.

All seemed to be going smoothly and we took our family on a cruise through the Panama Canal. It was there that Kelty suffered from a paranoia anxiety attack. Having never had an indication of anything like this before, we were just as shocked and distressed as he was. Kelty lay low for a couple of days and with the help of the resident priest and the ship's doctor was able to function again well enough to finish the cruise. That year he went on to complete Grade 11 with top marks and graduation honors.

Several times we asked Kelty if he had any recurring incidents. He preferred to downplay it but admitted that he feared the anxiety attack might return.

He had a terrific winter with his many friends, snow boarding, playing Midget hockey, partying and driving our cars - in a responsible way. That summer he again returned to his summer job at the Chateau Whistler where he had the opportunity to hone his promising golf game.

Surprisingly, he announced that he wished to return to Notre Dame for Grade 12. He said he wanted to rekindle the bonds with his classmates and achieve some of the academic goals that would send him off to Bishop's University. He knew Bishop's had high standards so Kelty progressed from an average student to what some would call an over achiever. His nickname at Notre Dame was "crazy" because he would get up so early to study. As well, he represented Notre Dame on the school golf team, playing in the Saskatchewan Provincials. Knowing he would never make the NHL, Kelty settled for assistant captain on the Notre Dame junior "C" team and traveled throughout the province enjoying both the game and the camaraderie.

The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy

At Christmas we took a vacation in Mexico that the whole family enjoyed. The first indication that Kelty's problems were reoccurring was as he was preparing to return to Notre Dame. He had done well at school, except in Math, which he was planning to repeat. Almost as soon as he returned, his mood changed. He became anxious about things in general, worrying about school, his mother's job, his father's well being, his grandfather, his sister and his uncle's bout with cancer. His anxiety led to lack of sleep, then a lack of focus, as he seemed to spiral down into depression. We encouraged him to open up to his house parent, his peers, and his religion. We set him up with a counselor and had him checked by a doctor.

Nothing seemed to help as he spiraled downward. He pleaded with us to come out and be with him. The pleading turned to begging as the phone calls, often mixed with tears and despondency, were increased to 3 and 4 times a day. We finally agreed that I would go out for a weekend.

I greeted him, realizing how much he needed me. We holed up in a motel room and went over his despondency. Here is my son - big, strong, beautiful hockey player and leader, fine student, good looking and charismatic, a kid who loves humor and goofing around with friends - weeping on my shoulder in a motel room in Regina, asking me what's wrong with him. Why can't he just be his normal self? Why can't he sleep or concentrate? Why was this black dog called depression so relentlessly attacking him? I was devastated and tried my best to accept what he said and to lead him out of harm's way. We prayed together, made up workbooks and a diary to help him objectify the situation. We went to the best restaurants, laughed when we could, and I treated him to some new hockey gear... anything that he wanted. When the time came for me to return to Vancouver it felt more like abandonment. As soon as I arrived home he was on the telephone to my wife, asking to come home - at least for a visit

The Kelty Story by Kerry Dennehy

We tried reasoning but realized from Kelty's tone of voice that he was very desperate. So we decided that my wife, Ginny, would make the trip to Notre Dame. She went through many of the same things I did. By that time, Kelty was on antidepressants, which we were told, would take several weeks to take effect. Ginny reluctantly left Kelty, soon followed by his relentless calls to return home.

Kelty was desperate in his attempts to stop the downward spiral of depression, so we agreed to a five-day trial return home. Back in Whistler, he seemed calmer but exhausted. We were told to encourage exercise and his many friendships, so he spent the next few days snow boarding surrounded by his Whistler chums (male and female). The five days soon ended and he pleaded for us to let him stay. He said, "I just need to be in a safe place." In fact he broke down in the car one day and said "Dad, I don't know what is wrong with me. I just want to be a normal kid like I was before. Dad, hide the guns. I am not kidding. Hide the guns. Dad you have to let me stay. I can't go back."

I too broke down, knowing he was in such serious trouble that we had to have him close to us. I agreed to keep him here. I made him promise me that he would be safe if he stayed home. I promised him that he would get better with the antidepressants and the love and nurturing provided by his family and friends. Neither of us kept our promise.

I hung a cross in the place where Kelty took his life, and I often look up at it and ask "Why"? I think of what could have been. I think of his pain and suffering. The only way he could think to end the pain was to end his life. His defenses were so low - his resistance none.

Our beautiful daughter Riley wanted to continue her brother's tradition and asked to go to Notre Dame for grade 10. She has just returned for Thanksgiving, five days early. All the girls did. They were sent home because a depressed classmate took her own life in the dormitory washroom. Teenage suicide has reached epidemic proportions.

We have to help save some of these young lives.

Mental Health Awareness Game - raffle prize - Sarah Lust & Myles Mattila - CMHA Kelowna - 2018 by Myles Mattila

Sarah Lust and Myles Mattila

@SJLCreative

CMHA Kelowna accepting Prize Donated By Myles Mattila to be given away at January 20th Mental Health Game in Memory of Kelty Patrick Dennehy.

#GetLoud #MHWA #mentalhealth

Enough is Enough - Youth Depression, Suicide Prevention & Education Resource -

The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation

www.thekeltyfoundation.org/

@SJLcreative

Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Carey Price

Carey Price - Montreal Canadiens.jpg

Price in January 2015.

BornAugust 16, 1987 (age 30)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada[1]

Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)

Weight215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)

PositionGoaltender

CatchesLeft

NHL teamMontreal Canadiens

National team Canada

NHL Draft5th overall, 2005

Montreal Canadiens

Playing career2007–present

Websitecareyprice.net

Beginning his junior career with the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League in 2002, Price was drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft following his second season with the Tri-City Americans. Following a further two seasons with the Americans, where he won both the Del Wilson Trophy as the top goaltender in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and CHL Goaltender of the Year in his final season of major junior in 2007. Joining the Canadiens' farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) just as the Calder Cup playoffs begun, Price led the Bulldogs to the Calder Cup championship, winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the tournament MVP. Price made the Canadiens roster for the 2007–08 season as the backup goaltender before ultimately becoming the starting goaltender later that season. In 2015, he was the winner of the Ted Lindsay, Jennings, Vezina and Hart trophies, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to win all four individual awards in the same season.[2]

Internationally, Price has represented Canada at various tournaments at junior levels, winning silver medals at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in 2004 and the IIHF World U18 Championship in 2005. He won a gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Sweden. In 2014, Price was named to the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team and won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Price's play also earned him the tournament's top goaltending award, from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) directorate. In 2016 Price went undefeated to win his first World Cup Of Hockey championship. Price is widely considered as one of the best goaltenders in the world.

Ride Dedicated to the memory of 13-year old Dillon Budd, #Getloud #Mentalhealth by Myles Mattila

A rising local hockey player is putting his face on the push for mental health awareness.

Sixteen-year-old Myles Mattila, who plays for the Okanagan Rockets major midgets, became an advocate for the issue because of two events: when he didn't know how to help a teammate, and the death of Vancouver Canucks’ star Rick Rypien.

Now, he's become a champion for the Canadian Mental Health Association's Ride Don’t Hide community bike ride on June 21.

Mattila quickly discovered how much fear and misunderstanding exists about mental illness.

Before moving from Prince George to Kelowna to join the Rockets, Mattila became the Northern B.C. representative for Mindcheck.ca, a website dedicated to providing mental health resources to young people. He also told his story at the Balancing Our Minds mental health summit at Rogers Arena in February.

“Mental health affects everyone, no matter what age we are, and youth are no exception. In fact, often times young people struggle to deal with the emotional and mental challenges that impact us on a daily basis,” he says. “We can all try to make a difference ... (and) show everyone that it’s OK to talk about mental illness.”

CMHA Kelowna is asking young people like Mattila to make the Get Loud pledge. For every young person who makes the pledge to speak up, the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation will donate $1, to a maximum of $5,000. The pledge can be found at www.cmhakelowna.org and at area schools.

“I’ve been a supporter of CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide fundraiser in the past, but this year’s ride has special meaning for our family,” says Tom Budd. “This Father’s Day, I’m dedicating my ride to the memory of my son, and I want to invite every parent to bring their kids out ... and help us reach people, especially our youth.

“All communities would benefit from increase awareness and reduction of the shame around mental illness.”

In any given year, one in five Canadians, or approximately seven million Canadians, experience a mental health problem or illness, but only one third will seek help – often due to the stigma around mental illness.

Ride Don’t Hide takes place in 27 communities across Canada, and CMHA is expecting more than 6,000 cyclists to join in across the country.

The ride in Kelowna includes the 40-kilometre Dillon Budd Memorial Ride and a seven-km family/beginner route through downtown, with on-site family-friendly activities and events.

It goes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting from the Rotary Centre for the Arts, and is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Registration and donations can be made online at www.ridedonthide.com.

BUDD, Payton Leigh

June 9, 1998 - April 30, 2017

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son, our brother, our friend on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the age of 18. His loss will be forever felt by his father Thomas Budd, mother Annette Toro- Huber, step father Harold Huber, step siblings: Wyatt, Laura and Jessica Huber; grandfather Alan Budd; Aunt Cheryl (Wayne) Gellhaus; Uncle George (Carol) Budd and extended family and friends. Payton was predeceased by his brother Dillon. He had many passions and interests: his love for his dog Gracie, basketball and just hanging out with his friends. Payton was a charismatic young man with a gentle soul, whose infectious laugh could be heard after one of his many pranks. We will miss him forever and will continue to keep him in our hearts. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday May 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm, at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Road with Reverend Anne Privett officiating. Celebration of Life to follow for Payton's friends and their families in Payton's backyard, 4594 Fuller Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's Anglican Church towards the Memorial Gardens to honour Dillon and Payton Budd. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

BUDD, Payton Leigh

June 9, 1998 - April 30, 2017

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son, our brother, our friend on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the age of 18. His loss will be forever felt by his father Thomas Budd, mother Annette Toro- Huber, step father Harold Huber, step siblings: Wyatt, Laura and Jessica Huber; grandfather Alan Budd; Aunt Cheryl (Wayne) Gellhaus; Uncle George (Carol) Budd and extended family and friends. Payton was predeceased by his brother Dillon. He had many passions and interests: his love for his dog Gracie, basketball and just hanging out with his friends. Payton was a charismatic young man with a gentle soul, whose infectious laugh could be heard after one of his many pranks. We will miss him forever and will continue to keep him in our hearts. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday May 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm, at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Road with Reverend Anne Privett officiating. Celebration of Life to follow for Payton's friends and their families in Payton's backyard, 4594 Fuller Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's Anglican Church towards the Memorial Gardens to honour Dillon and Payton Budd. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada - January 20 2018 Myles Mattila by Myles Mattila

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

– All seven Canadian NHL teams in action during marathon telecast on January 20, 2018

TORONTO (June 23, 2017) Canada’s premier hockey celebration returns for its 18th annual edition, with Sportsnet and Scotiabank announcing that Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will take place in Corner Brook, Nfld., on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018.

“The City of Corner Brook is pleased to work with Scotiabank and Sportsnet to host Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada,” said Charles Pender, Mayor of Corner Brook. “We are very proud of our storied hockey history and we are honoured to share it with Canada. We are excited to host this event and believe it will provide a rich experience to residents and hockey fans alike. Undoubtedly, Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will create memories for this community that will last a lifetime.”

The 18th annual edition of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada promises to be a spectacular festival honouring Canada’s game. Ron MacLean returns to host Sportsnet’s marathon broadcast from the Corner Brook Civic Centre, with Don Cherry also on-site for Coach’s Corner.

“Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is an incredible opportunity to share our passion for the sport, bring together the community in Corner Brook, and unite hockey fans across the country,” said Craig Thompson, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Region at Scotiabank. “Scotiabank is proud to support hockey at all levels in Canada, from the NHL to the 8,000 community hockey teams we support nation-wide, including 20 teams in Corner Brook. We look forward to celebrating The 5th Season with fellow coaches, players, and fans across Canada during this special event next January.”

Festivities for the 18th Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada begin Wednesday, Jan. 17, featuring community and family-friendly hockey events for all ages in Corner Brook, leading up to the main event and Sportsnet’s broadcast of all seven Canadian NHL teams on Saturday, Jan. 20 - Vancouver at Edmonton.

About Sportsnet

Sportsnet is Canada’s #1 sports media brand, connecting Canadian sports fans to their favourite teams and athletes. Delivering storytelling on a local, regional, national and global level, the multiplatform brand consists of Sportsnet, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet 960 The FAN, Sportsnet NOW, and the Sportsnet app. Sportsnet consists of four regional channels (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific), and the nationally-distributed Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, and Sportsnet World. Sportsnet is the official Canadian NHL national multimedia rights holder, and is also the official regional television broadcast rights holder for the Calgary Flames (including radio rights on Sportsnet 960 The FAN), Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs (including radio rights on Sportsnet 590 The FAN) and Vancouver Canucks. Sportsnet also has exclusive TV & radio coverage of all 162 Blue Jays games, as well as other MLB games, Toronto Raptors, NBA, Grand Slam of Curling, Rogers Cup, CHL, IndyCar, and extensive soccer programming including Premier League, Bundesliga, FA Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.

Emma McLagan Producer for January 20 2018 - Feature -Myles Mattila by Myles Mattila

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

– All seven Canadian NHL teams in action during marathon telecast on January 20, 2018

TORONTO (June 23, 2017) Canada’s premier hockey celebration returns for its 18th annual edition, with Sportsnet and Scotiabank announcing that Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will take place in Corner Brook, Nfld., on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018.

“The City of Corner Brook is pleased to work with Scotiabank and Sportsnet to host Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada,” said Charles Pender, Mayor of Corner Brook. “We are very proud of our storied hockey history and we are honoured to share it with Canada. We are excited to host this event and believe it will provide a rich experience to residents and hockey fans alike. Undoubtedly, Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will create memories for this community that will last a lifetime.”

The 18th annual edition of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada promises to be a spectacular festival honouring Canada’s game. Ron MacLean returns to host Sportsnet’s marathon broadcast from the Corner Brook Civic Centre, with Don Cherry also on-site for Coach’s Corner.

“Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is an incredible opportunity to share our passion for the sport, bring together the community in Corner Brook, and unite hockey fans across the country,” said Craig Thompson, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Region at Scotiabank. “Scotiabank is proud to support hockey at all levels in Canada, from the NHL to the 8,000 community hockey teams we support nation-wide, including 20 teams in Corner Brook. We look forward to celebrating The 5th Season with fellow coaches, players, and fans across Canada during this special event next January.”

Festivities for the 18th Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada begin Wednesday, Jan. 17, featuring community and family-friendly hockey events for all ages in Corner Brook, leading up to the main event and Sportsnet’s broadcast of all seven Canadian NHL teams on Saturday, Jan. 20 - Vancouver at Edmonton.

About Sportsnet

Sportsnet is Canada’s #1 sports media brand, connecting Canadian sports fans to their favourite teams and athletes. Delivering storytelling on a local, regional, national and global level, the multiplatform brand consists of Sportsnet, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet 960 The FAN, Sportsnet NOW, and the Sportsnet app. Sportsnet consists of four regional channels (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific), and the nationally-distributed Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, and Sportsnet World. Sportsnet is the official Canadian NHL national multimedia rights holder, and is also the official regional television broadcast rights holder for the Calgary Flames (including radio rights on Sportsnet 960 The FAN), Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs (including radio rights on Sportsnet 590 The FAN) and Vancouver Canucks. Sportsnet also has exclusive TV & radio coverage of all 162 Blue Jays games, as well as other MLB games, Toronto Raptors, NBA, Grand Slam of Curling, Rogers Cup, CHL, IndyCar, and extensive soccer programming including Premier League, Bundesliga, FA Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.

Myles Mattila Go to School, Play Hockey by Myles Mattila

BY STEVE MACNAULL

The Daily Courier

Myles Mattila didn’t have to

choose between higher

education and high-calibre

hockey.

“I knew I wanted to get a business degree,

but I still wanted to play at the highest level

of hockey I could,” said the 18-year-old.

“I’m lucky I’m able to do

both with the perfect fit

I have with Okanagan

College and the Kelowna

Chiefs. College is flexible

and the Chiefs encourage

players to attend school.”

The college offers Mattila

a schedule of morning and

evening classes, so he can

practice midday with the

Kootenay International

Junior Hockey League

team.

And most games are on

weekends, so they don’t

interfere with school, either.

“It’s a healthy balance,”

said Mattila.

“I want to play hockey,

but I also want to get the

education that will lead

me to become a lawyer.”

Mattila is making it

work with aplomb.

The five-foot-10-inch,

180-pound right winger has

seven goals and 12 assists

in the 27 games he’s played

with the Chiefs so far this

season.

He’s also doing well at college.

While this is admirable, it’s really

Mattila’s volunteer work in the

mental-health realm that earned him

the Top Forty Under 40 nomination.

While playing his final season of major

midget with the Cariboo Cougars in

Prince George, he started the

MindRight.info website.

“I haven’t suffered myself with mental

illness,” said Mattila.

“But, I know mental illness doesn’t

discriminate. I’ve seen friends and fellow

hockey players suffer with depression.”

While the website was designed to help

local hockey players access information

about mental health and how to seek help,

it is also a resource for the

wider community.

“There’s definitely a

stigma to mental illness,

especially in sports and

hockey because the guys

are supposed to be big and

tough and not show

weakness and not share

their emotions,” said

Mattila.

“Mind Right lets people

know they are not alone

and it’s OK to get help.”

The website caught the

attention of B.C. Hockey,

which bestowed its

President’s Award on

Mattila and is

recommending

MindRight.info be

provided to all minorhockey

players in the

province.

Prime Minister Justin

Trudeau gave Mittila

Twitter nod when he

heard of his advocacy.

The volunteerism also

helped Mattila qualify for

one of only four Trevor

Linden Scholarships awarded each year to

students in B.C.

“I think it may have been Lana Quinn

(who works with former hockey star

Linden in the Vancouver Canucks

organization) who nominated me for the Top 40 under 40 - Kelowna

Justin Trudeau souhaite bonne chance au Canada by Myles Mattila

2

www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/18-year-old-myles-mattila...

Talk Today - Myles Mattila by Myles Mattila

BC Hockey League and Canadian Mental Health Association partner to launch Talk Today

Vancouver, British Columbia—Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) BC Division and the BC Hockey League (BCHL) today announced a new partnership and launch of an initiative called Talk Today.

Talk Today is a mental health education program designed for BCHL players and their supporters to learn about mental health and increase their skills in order to help support players who may be struggling or at risk of suicide.

“We are excited to partner with the BC Hockey League, to help their athletes connect with the mental health supports and resources they need to thrive,” says Bev Gutray, CEO of CMHA BC.

The Talk Today program is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. It consists of several components including mental health and suicide awareness workshops, 1-1 mental health coaches, and Talk Today community awareness events at BCHL games.

“The BC Hockey league strives to be the best Junior A hockey league in North America,” says John Grisdale, BCHL Commissioner. “For us, that means supporting the physical and mental health of our athletes, as well as reaching out to our communities and helping support causes we care about through initiatives like Talk Today.”

The announcement comes as welcome news to athletes like 16-year-old rising hockey star Myles Mattila. Based in Kelowna, Mattila has been a mental health advocate for several years as a result of the impact of two events: when he didn’t know how to help one of his hockey teammates who was experiencing mental health issues, and the passing of former Vancouver Canucks’ player, Rick Rypien.

“Mental health affects everyone no matter what age we are, and youth and young athletes are no exception,” says Myles Mattila. “It’s encouraging to see programs like Talk Today being implemented to help make a difference and show everyone that it’s OK to talk about mental health and mental illness.”

At the heart of Talk Today is the relationship between BCHL teams and CMHA branches. For each of the 17 BCHL teams, a local CMHA Mental Health Navigator will serve as a liaison and will help provide referrals to community mental health and addictions support. The Navigator will also work closely with their local BCHL team to help promote mental health awareness within their local community.

“Each year, our network of 14 CMHA branches in BC help over 120,000 people including children and youth, families and older adults, says Gutray. “Talk Today will help strengthen those community connections and reach new audiences with the message that mental health is possible for all.”

Talk Today builds on the success of an initiative of the same name launched in Ontario in 2014 as a partnership between CMHA Ontario and the Ontario Hockey League.

Find your local BCHL team and watch for more on Talk Today awareness events coming in early 2016 at www.bchl.ca. To learn more about Talk Today, visit www.cmha.bc.ca or join the conversation on social media using #talktoday.

-30-

About the Canadian Mental Health Association:

As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience and support recovery from mental illness or addiction. Each year, CMHA BC together with a network of 14 BC branches provides services and supports to over 140,000 British Columbians. To learn more visit www.cmha.bc.ca.

About the BC Hockey League:

The BC Hockey League (BCHL), established in 1961, strives to be recognized as the best Junior A hockey league in North America. The League is comprised of 17 teams which compete in the Island, Interior and Mainland Divisions. The League is built on the following principles: we always act with the player in mind; we foster partnerships that develop mutual value; we act with integrity in everything we do; we are competitors on the ice and partners off the ice. Junior hockey is open to athletes between the ages of 16 to 20. To learn more visit www.bchl.ca.

BCHL Teams:

•Alberni Valley Bulldogs•Prince George Spruce Kings

•Chilliwack Chiefs•Salmon Arm Silverbacks

•Coquitlam Express•Surrey Eagles

•Cowichan Valley Capitals•Trail Smoke Eaters

•Langley Rivermen•Vernon Vipers

•Merritt Centennials•Victoria Grizzlies

•Nanaimo Clippers•Wenatchee Wild

•Penticton Vees•West Kelowna Warriors

•Powell River Kings

Emma McLagan - Myles Mattila by Myles Mattila

Emma McLagan

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

Emma McLagan

I'm part of the content and storytelling team that produces engaging, inspiring, heartwarming, brand-building, educational features (the list can go on!) for Hockey Night in Canada, Hometown Hockey and other shows and platforms on Sportsnet. I build relationships and sit one-on-one with professional athletes, their families, friends, fans, executives and even politicians (see cover photo ⬆️). I turn interviews and high-caliber visuals into a story -- engaging our viewers, attracting new ones and thus growing the company's brand and sports properties.

My desire to learn about the world and educate others has always been important to me and led me to start my career as a teacher after graduating from McGill with a B.Ed. After developing a unit for my students in which they wrote, produced, shot and edited their own news stories based on our current events discussions, I decided I wanted to try it myself! Enter: Broadcast Journalism at BCIT. I graduated with distinction in 2009 and went on to produce features and documentaries for networks including Discovery Channel and CBC.. During that time, I also worked on-air as a sports host for CBC Vancouver for almost 6 years before moving to Toronto from Vancouver in 2014.

I thrive on experiences, and it's always been important to me that I educate and help people, companies and organizations grow. As a journalism student, I interned with the BBC World Service in London where my first phone call on Day 1 was to a civilian in Afghanistan. Early on in my TV production days, I developed an internship program for journalism students and in 2013 volunteered for a month teaching communications and visual content strategies to staff a children's hospital in Cambodia. The content they produced brought in donations instantly.

When I'm not working, you'll find me exploring the outdoors (I grew up in Vancouver, after all), visiting my family in B.C., discovering a new country or scuba diving in search of big fish (ie. sharks).

– All seven Canadian NHL teams in action during marathon telecast on January 20, 2018

Break the Silence - #Hockeytalks by Myles Mattila

When Alex Burrows was approached about becoming the new spokesperson for Hockey Talks, an organization encouraging conversation about mental health, he didn’t say yes and he didn’t say no.

He asked to phone a friend.

Filling the shoes of former spokesperson Kevin Bieksa seemed like a daunting task with how much involvement Bieksa had in creating and supporting the initiative, so Burrows wanted to get the blessing of his former teammate.

Bieksa said he’d be honoured Burrows fill his shoes - under one condition: “He told me to try and speak English and not butcher the messaging,” laughed Burrows, adding that Bieksa is a “real funny guy.”

“In all seriousness, Kevin feels that I can do a good job spreading the word and he was more than happy to let me do it, he knew how much I cared about Rick too. It is very important for all of us to make sure we’re raising awareness about mental health and ensuring people are open and aren’t afraid to talk about anything that is bothering them.”

The Canucks host their fourth annual Hockey Talks Day this Saturday, February 6th, when Vancouver welcomes Calgary to Rogers Arena. As part of the night, Burrows’ face and message will be here, there and everywhere.

Another face you’ll become familiar with belongs to Myles Mattila.

The 16-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., learned how to skate when he was three and has been playing hockey for as long as he can remember. When he was 14, a teammate confided in Mattila that he was battling depression. Mattila did what he could to get his friend help and upon realizing others may be suffering in silence, he vowed to make a difference.

Since then the Okanagan Rockets (BCMML) forward has done just that. In 2015 alone, Myles was the recipient of the YMCA Youth Initiative of the Year award and was the first recipient of Northern Health Community Health Star award. He was also a torchbearer at the Canada Winter Games, as well as nominated for Champions of Wellness award.

Mattila is also a youth advocate for MindCheck.ca, a website focused on providing free mental health resources for youth, all while concurrently going to high school. He’s doing as much as he can to ensure anyone who needs to heard, will be.

“A lot of people, some hockey players and many athletes included, think you’re just supposed to be tough and play the game, but sports are emotional and it should be okay to show that side of it,” said Mattila, who will be in attendance Saturday at Rogers Arena. “Especially for hockey players, showing that emotion and crying is maybe looked down upon, but at the end of the day, it’s important to show emotions and work through them.”

Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness and Mattila used Rick Rypien as an example of an athlete who didn’t feel he could fully expose what he was going through. He suffered in silence and paid the ultimate price.

“Educating people on all aspects of mental health can help reduce the stigmas that exist, so in working with Mind Check I’m just trying to be a resource for anyone who needs it. It’s important people know they always have someone to talk to.”

With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental health or addiction problem each year, the Canucks salute those like Mattila going the extra mile for mental health.

You can too.

Use #HockeyTalks to lend your voice through social media; personal photos can be uploaded here to get a Hockey Talks overlay. Social media messages using the hashtag #HockeyTalks will appear as part of an online mosaic to showcase a united voice.

Every Canadian NHL team will host a Hockey Talks game, but that’s far from the end of encouraging positive conversations about mental health.

The Canucks will host BC Children’s Hospital’s third annual "Balancing Our Minds" on February 11, 2016. The free, one-day workshop is for 1,500 high school aged youth in BC to learn about mental health and engage in fun activities and thoughtful dialogue.

Click here for full details of Hockey Talks.

#talktoday - Press conference by Myles Mattila

Talk today

Talk Today is a mental health education program

designed for BC Hockey League (BCHL) players

and their supporters to learn about mental health

and increase their skills in order to help support

players who may be struggling or at risk of

suicide.

Developed by the Canadian Mental Health

Association (CMHA), the Talk Today program is

one of the most comprehensive mental health

programs for amateur sports in Canada. It

consists of several components including mental

health and suicide awareness workshops, mental

health coaches, and Talk Today community

awareness events at BCHL games.

By building relationships between BC Hockey

League teams and local CMHA branches we

aim to help young athletes connect with the

mental health supports and resources they need

to thrive.

Talk Today builds on the success of an initiative

of the same name launched in Ontario in 2014

as a partnership between CMHA Ontario and

the Ontario Hockey League.

KalVonix and Myles Mattila - Time to Talk by Myles Mattila

1

On June 8 the charitable society is hosting its third annual Barn Burner fundraiser at the Imperial in Vancouver. The evening promises to be a rip-roaring night of music and dancing featuring musicians and bands such as Steven Page, Barney Bentall, Odds, Rich Hope and other special guests, with all proceeds benefiting Jack.org, an organization devoted to helping youth become leaders when it comes to starting mental health conversations and initiatives in their own backyards.

But before the music starts playing, the firefighters’ charitable society is trying something new this year.

On June 7 the society, in partnership with Jack.org, is putting on an event called Time to Talk at Capilano University, a free community conversation about mental health that’ll feature some well-known Canadians and advocates, in the lead-up to Friday’s Barn Burner.

“They’re just really going to talk about their own personal stories and how they got through it and where they’re coming from so that people can identify with them and will hopefully identify if they’re having issues and highlight how they can get through it,” explains Aaron Hoverd, the charitable society’s president, about the TED talk-style event.

Hoverd adds that so far students, youth, families, firefighters, school counsellors, and more are among those who’ve so far gotten tickets for Thursday’s talk.

“It’s really hitting everybody,” he says.

On deck for Time to Talk are several athletes, including youth hockey player Myles Mattila, former Canucks goalie Corey Hirsch, and former Team Canada goalie Kendra Fisher. Jack.org founder Eric Windeler will also be addressing the room at CapU’s BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts.

And while all speakers – the event will be MCed by radio host Tyler Middleton – will be sharing and discussing their own personal mental health journeys, one of the evening’s speaker’s stories is perhaps already well-known.

In 2011, former Barenaked Ladies rocker Steven Page guest hosted an edition of CBC’s The Current dedicated to mental health. The response to Page’s candid and honest reflections on his own struggles were well-received, and since then the now-solo artist has been an in-demand speaker when it comes to mental health.

“(Steven) came back to us and said, ‘If I’m coming to do the concert, I’m going to be there anyway, how about the day before or two days before you put on a speaking engagement and get some other speakers and I’ll come and speak about mental health,’” Hoverd explains.

“We were a little bit shocked because we’re firefighters who are able to put on a concert just, but putting on a speaking engagement we didn’t really know where to start. But it all came together.”

After Page expressed interest in doing a speaking engagement prior to the Barn Burner, Jack.org, which has extensive experience when it comes to throwing speaking gigs, stepped in to help the charitable society organize Time to Talk.

Hoverd adds that last year the charitable society raised approximately $60,000 during its Barn Burner event – a figure they’d love to beat this year – while Time to Talk is intended to address mental health directly with a candid conversation. “We made the talk free,” he says. “We really wanted to make it free so students could come, anybody could come, and there wasn’t a cost point on it.”

Asked why supporting mental health, and specifically youth mental health, is a priority for the charitable society, Hoverd says the membership felt it was the right way to support the community.

“It’s also something that we come into contact with with our work all the time, dealing with the youth. It’s a big thing that we feel like we can impact on moving forward, especially in our communities,” he says.

The District of North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society was founded in 1954 and is comprised of firefighters that volunteer their time to support different charities and causes.

In addition to youth mental health awareness, Hoverd adds that mental health is something that affects everyone, including people in potentially high-stress positions such as firefighters.

“I think it’s more about that we found that people didn’t necessarily know the problems they were having. They were tired, they were feeling upset, they were feeling depressed, and they couldn’t identify why that was,” he says. “They thought it was just them, whereas now with people coming forward and telling their stories like Steven and Tyler people can identify the symptoms that they’re having.”

Your 2016 #PlayOn #Kelowna celebrity champions! Team Purple with an 11-5 win over Team Green. #MikeWilliams in goal! by Myles Mattila

Kelowna Play On 2016

The bruises, the yelling, the clicking of sticks, the excitement in the air. It was all present in downtown Kelowna on Saturday for the world's largest street hockey tournament.

Hockey Night in Canada’s Play On! is in K-town Saturday and Sunday.

"Four-on-four street hockey tournament goes all day Saturday and Sunday. Each team gets three games and on Sunday winner goes on, loser goes home," event director for Play On! Kelowna, Dale Muchowski, revealed.

More than 150 teams or 1,100 players, men and women, from B.C. and a few from Alberta flooded the makeshift arenas on a blocked off section of Water Street.

The program runs nation-wide and started out east 12 years ago, but almost never made it to Kelowna. Local businesses and hockey-crazed residents stepped up to the plate.

"The support from the community has been amazing. I haven't seen anything like this. Really, it was a community effort to get us here. I'm hoping it's here to stay now," Muchowski said.

Muchowski didn't play much ice hockey growing up but played street hockey his whole life.

"You can just walk out of your house, pick up a stick and if you have a ball and a net, or a can that you can hit, you can play with a couple of friends," he added.

www.colinbasranforkelowna.com

www.choicesmarkets.com

CBC VAN 20151006 MYLES MATTILA by Myles Mattila

The thing that I would want all teenagers to know, is that there are always resources to help. They don’t have to suffer alone or in silence. If they are ever experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, there is always someone who they can reach out too. It may not be the first person who they contact, but if they know where to go that would be the first step in getting help. Sometimes they might not get the hand they hoped for, however they need to be persistent in talking to someone who they can trust. Speaking up and ending the stigma is not only important for those seeking help, but for those who are also suffering and feel like they don’t have a voice. Be the listening ear, when someone needs you because you never know if that someone could someday be you.

CBC Talk Today - Mattila

#sicknotweak

#talktoday

#cmhcbc

#breakout_mh

#livin

LIVIN

@livincharity

Time to talktoday and get back to LIVIN

support Michael Landsberg #sicknotweak

@heylandsberg

LIVIN is all about LIVIN your life at the top and destroying the stigma by Myles Mattila

@myles_mattila12 supports #Livin

LIVIN is all about LIVIN your life at the top and destroying the stigma attached to mental ill¬ness. Connecting, supporting and inspiring one another to talk about their feelings, issues and problems because ‘it ain’t weak to speak’ and you are never alone.

LIVIN was co-founded by Sam Webb and Casey Lyons in Sep¬tember 2013, in honour of Casey’s best friend Dwayne Lally, who, like many others, took his own life after suffer¬ing from a mental illness.

“We can save the lives of individuals by chang¬ing the way people perceive, understand and interpret mental health.” - Sam Webb

“For too long mental illness and suicide has been perceived as a weakness. Mental ill¬ness is no different to other illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. We will change this.” - Casey Lyons

Our objectives will be achieved through activities and events which:

(i) promote awareness of mental illness;

(ii) bring the community together on the issue of mental illness;

(iii) develop promotion and prevention strategies to increase community awareness and understanding of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and re¬lated disorders and reduce associated stigma and discrimination for teenag¬ers and young adults through such things as fashion, sporting stars, celebrities and social media;

(iv) commission and support research to enhance knowledge into the cause and consequences of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, trial new and innovative prevention, early detection, treatment and management activities for depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety and related disorders and dissemi¬nate information about best practice models of care for teenagers and young adults;

(v) promote partnerships across health and other sectors to enhance respon¬siveness and support to teenagers and young adults who may experience or be at risk of experiencing depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety and related disorders.

LIVIN will apply income and property of the charity to promote our objectives.

REP IT, SHARE IT, OWN IT

#itaintweaktospeak

Healthy LIVIN = A Healthy Mind

Join the LIVIN family and help smash the stigma associated with mental illness. Connect, support and inspire one another to talk about your feelings, struggles and problems, because as long as you are talking you are never alone.

Contact: Sam Webb & Casey Lyons

Email: info@livin.org.au

Website: www.livin.org.au

Dale Muchowski - Myles Mattila - The Play On! by Myles Mattila

The Play On! program is about getting people from the community active and involved, it’s about bringing together a large group of people who have a passion for a Canadian pastime that most of us grew up playing. When done right, the buzz and excitement of a Play On! event can introduce thousands of new Canadians to the game of street hockey and rekindle the love of the game for many who haven’t scraped the pavement in years.

There are many pieces needed to help a Play On! event run successfully; staff, players, refs, community support, and volunteers are at the top of the list. Every year Play On! runs amazing events across wonderful communities and without the support of dedicated volunteers, the Play On! program wouldn’t be able to offer the street hockey experience that it does. Here in Kelowna, Play On! is always jam packed with amazing volunteers; some stick around the entire weekend, some are only available for a couple hours, but each and every one of them makes a difference and all of their hard work helps the tournament run smoothly.

That’s why the Play On! Kelowna team is so excited to announce a volunteer partnership with 16-year old Myles Mattila. Born and raised in British Columbia, Myles has been playing hockey since the age of 3; Myles has played hockey all over British Columbia and relocated to Kelowna last July and currently plays right wing for the BCMML Okanagan Rockets. While he and his Okanagan Rockets teammates are preparing a team for this year’s Play On! Kelowna event, this story isn’t about Myles the hockey player; it’s about Myles the volunteer. Myles reached out to Play On! a couple weeks ago inquiring about setting up a booth during the tournament weekend to help raise awareness for mental health, and after a few phone calls and emails, we finally got to meet.

Often times ideas are thrown around and they don’t quite match up or work out, but sometimes you meet with somebody and everything falls into place, I have a feeling that this happens almost every time Myles meets with an organization. Myles has a list of volunteer and community achievements a mile long; his list of achievements since his relocation to Kelowna is spectacular, and due to all of his hard work, Myles has been nominated for Young Male Volunteer of the Year.

Myles has worked with organizations such as

CMHA BC - www.cmha.bc.ca

CMHA Kelowna - www.cmhakelowna.com

Mindcheck - www.mindcheck.ca

LIVIN - www.livin.org.au

#breakout_mh @breakout_mh

#getloud - getloudkelowna.com/sign-it/

#talktoday - www.cmha.bc.ca/how-we-can-help/youth/talktoday%20

#sicknotweak - www.sicknotweak.com/

and is always looking for an opportunity to help people start talking about mental health. If you have time on June 18-19, stop by Waterfront park in Downtown Kelowna and catch a game or two, watch Myles and his Rockets teammates take on adversaries from across the province, and take a minute or two to stop by Myles’ booth for chat; regardless of what you decide to talk about, it’s guaranteed to be good conversation.

For more information on Myles, check out:

globalnews.ca/news/2040507/junior-hockey-player-from-kelo...

Or follow him on Twitter - @myles_mattila12

To join Myles and volunteer at Play On! Kelowna, register here:

www.playon.ca/contact/volunteer/kelowna

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email

Dmuch@playon.ca

MYLES - WILLIAMS LAKE 2007 by Myles Mattila

2007 Myles Mattila - Williams Lake Tournament

#talktoday

TalkToday_Brochure_2 by Myles Mattila

Talk Today is a mental health education program

designed for BC Hockey League (BCHL) players

and their supporters to learn about mental health

and increase their skills in order to help support

players who may be struggling or at risk of

suicide.

Developed by the Canadian Mental Health

Association (CMHA), the Talk Today program is

one of the most comprehensive mental health

programs for amateur sports in Canada. It

consists of several components including mental

health and suicide awareness workshops, mental

health coaches, and Talk Today community

awareness events at BCHL games.

By building relationships between BC Hockey

League teams and local CMHA branches we

aim to help young athletes connect with the

mental health supports and resources they need

to thrive.

Talk Today builds on the success of an initiative

of the same name launched in Ontario in 2014

as a partnership between CMHA Ontario and

the Ontario Hockey League.

Jack Summit 2018 by Myles Mattila

I have been selected from hundreds to attend Jack Summit 2018, Canada’s largest youth-led summit on mental health. Mental health affects all of us, but suicide is still the leading health-related cause of death for young people in Canada. I’ll be joining 199 other young mental health advocates from every province and territory in Canada to attend in Toronto.

What is Jack Summit?

Jack Summit is a youth-led gathering of 200 Jack.org leaders from every province and territory in Canada, focused on ideas-sharing and large-scale strategies. A unique, collaborative space for mental health advocacy, Jack Summit is the largest gathering in Canada for young leaders working to revolutionize mental health.

At Jack Summit 2018, young leaders from across the country will come together for 3 incredible days of learning, collaborating, skill-building, and networking.

1967 camaro getting close by Myles Mattila

work By Liquid Steel - Kelowna

Myles Mattila - Alex Burrows by Myles Mattila

Alex Burrows - New Mindcheck Rep