Holy Family Mental Health Awareness Night

On Saturday, December 14th, Sophie’s Squad joined Holy Family Catholic High School and Rock Ridge High School for a Mental Health Awareness Night at the Victoria Recreation Center. Holy Family emerged victorious in both the JV and Varsity matchups, but the support of mental health awareness took center stage. The game was the latest in Sophie’s Squad’s “Hockey Hits Back” events, allowing our organization and athletes in the community to shine a spotlight on mental health issues in sports.

Sophie’s Squad ran booths at the game, including a Minnesota Wild ticket raffle, the ever-popular chuck-a-puck fundraiser, and educational materials on mental health awareness. Fans also had the opportunity to purchase Sophie’s Squad merchandise (the best way to support our mission, stay warm this winter and remind people that it’s ok to not be ok.)

The game also hosted a homecoming for Sedona Blair, a Sophomore goaltender at the University of New Hampshire and an alumni of Holy Family Catholic High School. Blair dropped the puck in a pre-game ceremony before Rock Ridge and Holy Family faced off in their varsity tilt. After the game, Blair caught up with Sophie’s Squad to talk about her homecoming and the importance of raising awareness for mental health issues in sports. 

“I love seeing all the girls and the progress they’ve made as a program. I couldn’t be prouder to see them. Events like this are so important because a lot of people in athletics struggle with mental health. It’s awesome to see everyone being supported through things like this.”

Along with the puck drop, both teams gathered at center ice before the game to take a picture with the Sophie’s Squad banner, which reminds us all that it’s always ok to ask for help.

Hockey Hits Back events are part of the lifeblood of our mission. Getting out in the community and meeting with athletes and spectators allows us to form a real face-to-face connection—a connection to people that’s crucial in aiding in the fight for mental health awareness. Sophie’s mother, Aimee Wieland, spoke about the importance of doing these kinds of events for the organization.

“Events like this are just as important as anything else we do. We have the opportunity to get our message to so many of the youth, which is our main focus. It’s great to see the support from the athletes and families when we go to the various high schools in the area.”

Weiland also had the opportunity to reflect on the end of another banner year for Sophie’s Squad.

“Our partnerships are just getting bigger and bigger. We’re adding more teams and events. It’s only going to get more exciting going into next year.”

We would like to thank the Victoria Recreation Center, Holy Family Catholic High School, Rock Ridge High School, their players, Sedona Blair, our volunteers, and everyone who attended the event for supporting us and bringing a message of hope and help for mental health issues in athletics. If you, your team, school, or club are interested in hosting a Hockey Hits Back Event, you can contact us here. We’d love to discuss how we can create another fantastic event with you. 

Sophie’s Squad is committed to being a visible and active force in the community. Events like the one held with Holy Family and Rock Ridge are vital to that goal. If you’re interested in seeing us soon, we have a full slate of upcoming events you can view here. We’re excited to see you out and about!