The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is dedicated to promoting mental well-being, particularly in light of World Mental Health Day. This year, the emphasis is on the theme: “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” The IIHF recognizes the pressures that all participants in the sport face, from grassroots players to elite athletes.
Commitment to Player Well-Being and Community Support
Luc Tardif, the IIHF President, highlighted the necessity of good mental health, stating, “Having good mental health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.” The IIHF aims to ensure that everyone in the hockey community feels empowered to seek help and support each other.
Actions Taken to Enhance Mental Health
The IIHF has implemented various initiatives to bolster mental health support within the hockey community:
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: The IIHF promotes mental health literacy at its events. This includes initiatives like the upcoming Global Hockey Forum (GHF), scheduled for October 2025 in Nice, France.
- In-Event Wellness Support: The organization is establishing pre-event and post-event evaluations to ensure consistent mental health care for athletes.
Partnership with HONE Athletics
HONE Athletics plays a pivotal role in the IIHF’s mental health strategy. Its platform was piloted at four major IIHF tournaments in 2025, providing real-time mental wellness data. Key findings suggest that coaches gained valuable insights from anonymized data, which allowed them to adapt recovery protocols and improve team communication strategies.
The IIHF plans to integrate HONE into its Long-Term Athlete Development model, ensuring ongoing support for athletes throughout the season.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Mental health affects everyone in the hockey environment, and collective action is crucial. Teammates, coaches, and fans all play important roles in fostering a culture of support.
Events for World Mental Health Day
In honor of World Mental Health Day, IIHF-affiliated teams and players are encouraged to participate in initiatives that promote mental well-being.
Looking Ahead: Prioritizing Mental Resilience
The IIHF remains focused on enhancing both the physical and mental aspects of the sport. “Together, we can build a culture where mental wellness is respected and prioritized,” said Tardif.
Reflections from the Global Hockey Forum
The recent Global Hockey Forum, held in Nice, proved to be a success, bringing together leaders and experts to discuss mental health in ice hockey. Pete DeBoer, assistant coach for Team Canada, emphasized that mental health awareness is now integral to coaching.
Jessica Renney, founder of HONE Athletics, pointed out that while 30 to 50 percent of the general population seeks mental health support, only about 10 percent of athletes do. HONE’s anonymous feedback mechanism helps teams tackle mental health issues collectively, fostering a supportive environment.
The IIHF’s ongoing commitment to mental health, highlighted on World Mental Health Day, reinforces the importance of well-being in the sport. Together, the hockey community can make significant strides in supporting mental wellness both on and off the ice.
