To help destigmatize mental health, Metropolitan The RiveterIt is hosted by the English Premier Hockey Association A Mental health awareness Game day this Sunday (Jan 15th at 2pm) vs Minnesota Whitecaps In the Skate the American Dream In East Rutherford, NJ and broadcasting on ESPN+.
riveted forward and Quinnipiac University Legendary scorer Kelly Babstock joins Sports Jam with Doug Doyle to talk about the impact of the game and his hockey career that began in his native Canada.
The event is presented by more powerful, the company that helps kids build emotional strength and visualize their emotions in real time. With our award-winning library of games, children learn, practice, and apply lifelong coping skills through play. As an introduction partner, the company will also have an on-site product demonstration booth for families looking to learn more about their play-based digital therapy solution. The Strongest co-founder and CEO, Craig Lund, will be available to speak before the match and drop the puck during the showdown at American Dream.
Kelly Babstock, who has dual Canadian-American citizenship, is excited about Sunday’s venue in East Rutherford and the message being sent across women’s hockey and the Rivets.
“Mental health is huge. We usually don’t talk about it enough. There’s a negative stigma around mental health. It’s so important to try to end that stigma because everyone is mentally healthy. That’s why it’s so important that these games shine some light, not even games.” I love the rink. The American Dream is amazing. You know it’s not your typical hockey rink. It’s a fun time, especially for the fans. Come over to our game, see some good hockey and then you can walk around because it’s an entertainment and retail hub.”
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Babstock coaches girls’ and boys’ hockey teams and stresses the need for parents to make sure their children are having fun while playing sports. You see pressure on children at an early age. For her, the stress of being a professional athlete is also a challenge.
“Being a professional hockey player there is a lot of pressure and expectations about how we should be as a player. It’s hard. I’m my biggest critic and my biggest fan and advocate. Putting pressure on myself and hearing other people and what they think is a negative impact. He’s trying to find that balance. To be the best you can be. It’s not always easy, but just try to keep your head in a positive place.”
Now, as a veteran of the PHF, Babstock takes the responsibilities of leadership and being a role model very seriously.
“I take really pride in making everyone feel included and important. How I do that is just talking to everyone I see. Every day I come to the rink and I always say hi to all the girls in the locker room, everyone counts, in life too. You never know how Your energy and how you talk to someone or notice someone will make him feel the rest of the day.”
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Babstock encourages young players to speak up when they have problems and discuss them with coaches and parents.
When Kelly was eight years old, she had the chance to meet the legendary Boston Bruins defenseman and Bobby Oran will never forget being given a kiss on the cheek by the great hockey player.
“I was just high and knew what a huge deal that would be at any time.”
That moment is the one that Babstock treasures. Learning from that experience and many others, she enjoys signing autographs for children and talking to them about sports and their lives.
You can see the full sports Interview with Kelly Babstock here.