TORONTO, ON – The Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario Division are proud to announce a new partnership to introduce the Talk Today program at the minor hockey level.
Talk Today is a mental health education and awareness program developed by CMHA Ontario to support youth athletes. Originally designed in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the program was created to equip players, coaches, and team staff with the knowledge, tools, and resources to recognize, respond to, and support mental health challenges within the high-performance hockey environment. By addressing stigma, promoting open conversations, and fostering resilience, Talk Today has become a leading initiative in major junior hockey, helping young athletes navigate the pressures of competitive sports while prioritizing their overall well-being.
Through the new partnership with the GTHL, Talk Today will be adapted specifically for youth in minor hockey. This version of the program is tailored to the developmental needs of players aged Under-12 to U15, with age-appropriate content and activities designed to help young athletes understand mental health and build resilience. By bringing this initiative to the minor hockey level, the GTHL and CMHA Ontario are helping to create a foundation for lifelong mental wellness in sport.
As part of the partnership, the GTHL is investing $15,000 to support the delivery of the program for the 2025–26 season. This investment underscores the league’s commitment to prioritizing mental health education and resources for youth players, ensuring the program is accessible, high-quality, and impactful for participating athletes and their communities.
“We’re proud to partner with the GTHL to bring the Talk Today program to even more young athletes,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO, CMHA Ontario. “By reaching players at a younger age, we’re helping to build a foundation where mental health is valued just as much as physical health.”
The pilot program will launch during the 2025–26 season with up to four participating GTHL Associations, including:
- Scarborough Young Bruins
- Ted Reeve Hockey Association
- Toronto Eagles Hockey Club
“We’re proud to partner with CMHA Ontario that puts our players’ well-being at the forefront,” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “Introducing Talk Today at the minor hockey level helps start important conversations early — creating a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health and where every player feels supported on and off the ice.
The GTHL continues to prioritize holistic player development and well-being through education, inclusivity, and community partnerships. The introduction of the Talk Today program builds on the League’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, supportive, and positive hockey experience for all participants.
Following the pilot phase, the GTHL and CMHA Ontario will evaluate outcomes with the goal of expanding the program in future seasons.
ABOUT CMHA ONTARIO
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 27 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve thousands of Ontarians each year.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) is a non-profit organization, home to more than 30 community recreational programs and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 30,000 annual participants in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to empower, innovate, and provide hockey experiences that foster growth, inclusion, and excellence for all participants, while providing an enriching, equitable, and inclusive environment that benefits all members and the broader community.
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Media Contacts:
Stephanie Coratti
Director, Strategy and Communications
Greater Toronto Hockey League
Elham Bidgoli
Director, Communications
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
[email protected]
