NHLPA creates mental health initiative “First Line” for NHL players and families

There is a new mental health initiative to help NHL players and their families.

On Wednesday, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, along with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, launched “First Line”, a leadership and education program to help “strengthen NHLPA members’ mental health knowledge and skills”.

The NHLPA’s Health and Wellness Team and the MHCC, Operation Minds designed the program, the first of its kind in pro sports. It was created to specifically address issues that NHLers and their families face, on and off the ice.

“Collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to develop First Line builds on the diligent work by the NHLPA’s Health AND Wellness Team,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “While the players have achieved great success in their careers as the best hockey players in the world, this does not preclude them from facing the same challenges that many others face.”

First Line will “educate about the stigma of mental illness and how to combat it”, along with providing skills for peer-to-peer support, and increasing overall knowledge about mental health issues that players might come upon.

“It is our goal that all players who complete the First Line training will be empowered to advocate for their own mental health while being supportive of the mental health of their fellow players and others,” said former NHL player, and consulting psychologist to the NHLPA, Dr. Jay Harrison said. “We are encouraged by the early interest and engagement players have shown in First Line, and we are looking forward to having a positive effect on their lives.”

According to a release, 20 current NHL players have already sent the First Line program, with plans to train more across the players association on a voluntary basis throughout this season and beyond.

Players who complete the program’s training will get a certificate of completion from Opening Minds and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

The NHL and NHLPA have received praise in recent years for its work with the Players’ Assistance program, helping members receive help for various issues including alcohol and substance abuse. First Line is expected to add another layer to further help players’ mental well-being.