A special guest joined the fifth and final Battle For Mental Health hockey game in Mount Forest Tuesday night.
The event, hosted by GetInTouchForHutch and Wes For Youth Online, brings players and fans together to talk about mental health, and remember friends lost through suicide and mental health struggles. Special guest emcee Jason Maslakow, better know as Leafs super fan "Dart Guy", says he wanted to come and spread the message that struggling with mental health is okay.
"I've had people I was very close to over the years that struggled with things going on in their lives that unfortunately aren't here anymore, and I just feel that perhaps with a little more awareness and a little less stigma around depression and mental health issues that people might come forward and get the help they need," he says.
In five years, the game raised over $42,000 for Wes For Youth Online initiatives, and over $10,000 was raised last night alone. Guelph Storm captain Garrett McFadden and Team Canada Inline goalie Kendra Fisher were special guest speakers last night.
"Dart Guy" says if there's anyone struggling out there, he has a simple message.
"My message would be to realize that this isn't anything to be ashamed of, it's a sickness, not a weakness, and by all means, anybody, if you have nobody to talk to, you can reach out to me on Twitter, I'll talk to you," he says. "So, do what you can, with whoever you feel comfortable with. Your friends, a stranger. Reach out to somebody."
CKNX News anchor Ryan Drury, left, and Leafs super fan Jason Maslakow aka "Dart Guy" co-emceed the 5th and final Battle For Mental Health hockey event in Mount Forest. December 19th, 2017.