Connor McKenzie. Photo courtesy Jeff Henson/EverythingGP

By Jeff Henson

LIFT THE MASK

Storm netminder hopes Peace region will help him “Lift the Mask” on mental health

Oct 3, 2022 | 1:23 PM

Grande Prairie Storm goaltender Connor McKenzie has launched an awareness and fundraising campaign that he hopes will shine the light on the importance of mental health.

McKenzie feels the “Lift the Mask” program is a great way for people in the Peace region to not only support him and the Storm but to also support a great cause.

“Every one of my saves is now going to be going to a bigger picture beyond just the hockey game. And it gives me something extra to fight for every night when I am in the net. I am going to be fighting for every save that I can, not only to help the team but also to help the people of Grande Prairie raise some funds for mental health.”

“You can either make a one-time donation or make a pledge-per-save donation, both of which you can do at liftthemask.ca “

The 20-year-old netminder started the campaign to not only raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association but to also bring awareness of mental health issues, particularly among young athletes.

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“Many of my friends and my family have struggled with their mental health. And as an athlete, I have seen firsthand how important strengthening your mental health can be, and I want to be able to help everyone in Grande Prairie have access to the fundamental tools and support that they need to help strengthen their own mental health.”

The fundraising goal is $25,000. And as of late last week, the campaign had already surpassed $10,000 raised.

Proceeds from the campaign go to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

McKenzie says they are also in preliminary discussions surrounding him visiting several schools and minor hockey teams in the region, to discuss the importance of talking with others about their mental health.

He adds as important as raising money is to the campaign, the awareness side is just as important.

“You try to inspire a whole younger generation of athletes and kids to really see the importance of a topic like this and to feel that it is really important to talk about these things when you are going through them, and really have that locked in their head that it is important to talk about mental health and it is ok to talk about mental health and crackdown that stigma around it. I think that is the biggest thing about this campaign.”

January 27th is also “Lift the Mask on Mental Health” night, where the Storm will host the Lloydminster Bobcats.

The Storm will be wearing special jerseys that night, and McKenzie will wear a mask specially created for that game.

All of those items will be auctioned off that evening, with proceeds going to the campaign.

McKenzie says the hockey club has been behind this project since day one.

“I went in to talk to coach Eric (Thurston) and General Manager Mark (Bomersback) about this once I got back to Grande Prairie this season, and they were nothing but supportive. They are completely open to the idea and they are trying to support me in any way that they can. ”

“My teammates have been great about this. They have been sharing the message and connecting with friends and family to help raise awareness and raise money. So it really makes me proud to see the staff and players on the team are helping to support something not only for our community but also that is important to me and something that I tried to get started to help others.|