The VP Bearcats U13A team is wearing green jerseys at the Robin's Minor Hockey Classic to spark awareness about youth mental health issues. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)

Jan 20, 2023 | Leith Dunick | Thunder Bay Newswatch

THUNDER BAY — The pandemic wasn’t easy on Thunder Bay’s youth.

Forced to stay home from school because of provincial health restrictions, for the better part of two school years they had limited in-person social interactions, which for some, has taken its toll.

Dayna Pupeza, coordinator at the Children’s Centre Foundation, says it’s estimated one-in-four youth suffers from mental health challenges.

This weekend, the U13 Volunteer Bearcats have agreed to don green hockey sweaters, the colour of mental health, at the Robin's Minor Hockey Classic, as a starting point to begin the discussion and encourage children and adults alike to come forward, speak out and seek help if they’re suffering.

“They’re wearing mental health jerseys to try to create awareness and let their peers know that it’s OK to talk about mental health. Just like we talk about physical health, mental health is important,” Pupeza said, the Bearcats battling in a tight game behind her at the Port Arthur Arena.

Pupeza said using the one-in-four number, that would equate to 32 teams and almost 550 minor hockey youth.

“That’s a very big number,” she said.

Pete Pilgrim, coach of the VP Bearcats U13 squad, said that’s the message he and his players want to convey to the community, that they’re not a lone and help is out there should it been required.

““The first step is speaking to someone you trust, whether it is a guardian, teacher, or coach. We all want the same thing — happy, healthy children.”

For more information, visit www.childrenscentrefoundation.ca or phone 343-5035.