Feb 11 area: Kilty B’s edge Hawks; IceDogs host mental health awareness game; Chiefs looking for players
The Hamilton Kilty B’s edged the Thorold Blackhawks 8-7 in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference action Monday night in Hamilton.
The win improves the Kilty B’s record to 29-15-2-1 while the Blackhawks fell to 23-18-2-2.
The game was the last regular season matchup between the two teams who in all likelihood will face off in the first round of the playoffs.
The Hawks took the season series 4-1 with one game ending in a 2-2 overtime tie.
The Kilty B’s led 2-1 after one period and 5-2 after two. The Blackhawks rallied with four goals in a wild third period to tie the game 6-6 before Nick Giamou scored the winner on a power play with 1:12 remaining.
Jordan Van Hunnik, Nolan Slachetka, Nolan Underwood, Eli Rivers, Jacob Macdonald and Ellis Rickwood also scored for the winners.
Cam Lightfoot paced Thorold with two goals while Joel Chauvin, Nicholas Rubino, Nick Gidney and Sam VaderZalm replied for the Blackhawks.
Matteo Drobac made 28 saves in goal for the Kilty B’s.
Noah Fortuna faced 46 shots in goal for Thorold.
The Kilty B’s are in Buffalo Wednesday while the Hawks host the Regals Thursday.
IceDogs host game for mental health awareness
The Niagara IceDogs have partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association in Niagara for a mental health awareness game Thursday, presented by Teachers Life, versus the Barrie Colts at the Meridian Centre.
The game day experience will have several features to promote the importance of mental health, including:
•A CMHA-run kiosk on the concourse where fans can learn more about mental health and the organization’s community-based services
•Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Niagara branch
•Mental health signs for fans to write on and show in unison at a designated stoppage in play
This mental health awareness game is part of the IceDogs’s ongoing partnership with CMHA Niagara and its Talk Today program, presented by Teachers Life. Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. Through this program, over 1,100 OHL players and over 400 coaches, billets and staff have received mental health and suicide prevention training across the league.
The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need. Additionally, CMHA experts work with players from the Niagara IceDogs to deliver a basic in-class presentation about mental wellness to elementary school students.
“One in five youth struggles with mental health. By hosting this event, the Niagara IceDogs and CMHA Niagara are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and encouraging discussion within the community about mental health,” said Tara McKendrick, Executive Director of CMHA Niagara.
“Games like this one reinforce to me how lucky I am to be working in such an incredible league. On who works tirelessly with all its member clubs to make sure organizations like the CMHA and the Talk Today program receive added attention and focus, which could not be more important,” IceDogs general manager Joey Burke said. “Talk Today is one of the most important initiatives that our league, and that we [IceDogs] are involved with. To shine light on the importance of mental health is something that is extremely important in today’s world, and to be able to let those who are struggling know they are not alone, and that there are outlets for you, can make all the difference in someone’s world. To be able, as an organization, to help any way we can is something we jump at the chance to do.”
Tickets for the game are still available, starting from $15. For ticket information, contact the Niagara IceDogs at 905-687-3641 or visit the IceDogs Business Office, open Monday-Friday 9 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Chiefs looking for players
The Welland Chiefs of the Niagara District Baseball Association senior men’s division are looking for players for the 2020 season.
Players must be 18 years of age. Tryouts will be held beginning March 1.
Contact Jerry Searight at 905-964-1779 for more information.
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