Hockey Talks is the NHL’s national public awareness campaign designed to encourage conversations about mental health and share support and information from leading experts in the hopes of alleviating some of the misconceptions and stigma associated with mental illness.
The Winnipeg Jets have again teamed up with Project 11 – the True North Youth Foundation’s school-based mental health awareness program – for the annual Hockey Talks campaign running January 6 to 24. The campaign was founded in honour of Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose player Rick Rypien, and with the 15th anniversary of his passing coming up on August 15, 2026, Project 11 remains committed to supporting important mental wellness conversations across Manitoba and beyond. Throughout the campaign, the Jets and Project 11 will share information, stories and resources to encourage conversations about mental health.
Over the course of the month, Project 11 will be joined by various mental health organizations in offering information to fans at home games. These include Lil’ Steps Wellness, Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba, KIDTHINK, Mental Health Education Resource Centre, Kids Help Phone, TNYF Training, Sara Riel Inc., The LINK, Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, United Firefighters of Winnipeg, One Voice One Team, Huddle, Pluri-elles, Klinic, Heartwood Healing Centre and Ka Ni Kanichihk.
Starting January 7 until January 31, fans can support the cause by donating or participating in a silent auction to win a Winnipeg Jets player-issued Hockey Talks hoodie at tnyfauction.ca.
To learn more about how Project 11 works to provide mental health education and resources for youth, and to access a collection of resources and videos, please visit projecteleven.ca. Teachers can sign up to join the program at any time with virtual training offered throughout the year.
Project 11 has compiled a comprehensive list of community resource support organizations and their contact information available HERE.
Project 11 will host its next Project 11 Summit for early years students on Friday, January 23 and their annual Adult Wellness Development Day on Thursday, April 9 – learn more more about these events at projecteleven.ca/EVENTS.
