Current and former junior hockey players came from near and far to skate in the 4th annual Battle For Mental Health hockey game in Mount Forest.
Team Get In Touch For Hutch faced team Wes For Youth. And one of the organizers, Myrna Hutchison, says the message was loud and clear.
"The message is never give up on hope. There is light for you at the end of your tunnel," said Hutchison. "Get In Touch With Hutch and Wes For Youth are here to help you find that."
One of the players who participated was 29-year old Theo Peckham. The former Edmonton Oiler now skates with the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks in the WOAA Senior Hockey League.
He has experienced challenges first hand through his career.
"I can't tell you the times I left the rink not in a good place mentally," said Peckham. "The way the sport is, there is not a lot of focus on the personalities and the individuals."
Guelph Storm captain Garrett McFadden, former Listowel Cyclone captain Caleb Cameron, former Wingham captain Aaron Armstrong and current Hanover Barons goalie Cody Van der Heide were just three of the many players who participated.
--with files from Ryan Drury
Tonight's line-up #battleformentalhealth #battleforacause @wesforyouth37 @InTouchForSH44 @Storm_City pic.twitter.com/3nANThXByC
— Jackie Ralph (@chatty_jackie) December 23, 2016
I'm sure this looks familiar to @WesternJrC fans! Former @WinghamIronmen, @OHAhockey1 Jr. C Player Of The Year @AArmstrong_10 at his finest pic.twitter.com/9cTmaZYtyz— Cody van der Heide (@CvanderHeide30) December 23, 2016
@gmcfadden27 is a great Mental Health Advocate! Give him and his movement @McFaddensMvmnt a follow! pic.twitter.com/5niWQWaYR1
— Cody van der Heide (@CvanderHeide30) December 23, 2016