The British Columbia Hockey Conference is making mental health education a required part of the player experience during its inaugural 2026–27 season.
Every rostered BCHC player will complete Breaking the Ice, a hockey-focused mental health program developed by Movember. The BCHC will cover the full cost of the program for all participating players.
Breaking the Ice uses the familiar setting of hockey to help young athletes develop practical mental health skills. Players learn how to recognize when they or someone around them may be struggling, start conversations about mental health, seek help when needed and build resilience to navigate challenges both in hockey and in life.
The initiative reflects the BCHC’s commitment to developing and supporting athletes on and off the ice.
“We’re teammates on the ice. Let’s be there for each other off it, too,” said Kerri Woods, BCHC Director of Athlete Wellness. “Because there’s more to every player than what you see on the ice. Breaking the Ice is about starting conversations about mental health, wellness and what it means to look out for each other and get to know the person behind the jersey.”
Course Requirements
All rostered BCHC players, excluding affiliate players, must complete the approximately one-hour online course by October 15. The course can be completed over multiple sessions, and each player will receive a certificate by email once finished.
Players who join a BCHC roster during the season will have seven days from their carding date to complete the program.
Course access and registration information will be provided directly to teams on September 14.
Supporting the People Who Support Our Players
In addition to the player program, BCHC coaches and team staff will participate in an Athlete Wellness Seminar on September 14.
This additional education will help those working most closely with BCHC athletes better understand their role in supporting player wellness and creating team environments where conversations about mental health are encouraged.
By providing education for players and the people supporting them, the BCHC is taking a league-wide approach to building healthier team cultures throughout its 22 member clubs.
Mental fitness is an important part of athlete development. Through Breaking the Ice and the BCHC’s broader athlete wellness initiatives, players will gain tools and support they can carry with them beyond the rink, throughout their hockey careers and into their everyday lives.
