The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) proudly joins the global community in recognizing World Mental Health Day, reinforcing its dedication to the well-being of athletes, coaches, officials, and fans across the hockey world. 

This year’s theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” underscores that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. The IIHF acknowledges the unique pressures faced by everyone in the sport - from grassroots participants to elite competitors. 

“Having good Mental health is not a luxury - it’s a necessity,” said Luc Tardif, IIHF President. “We want every player, official, and member of the ice hockey community to know that it’s okay to speak up, seek help, and support one another.” 

Championing Change Through Action 

In the past year, the IIHF has taken and continues to take significant steps to support mental health, including: 

• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Promoting mental health literacy throughout IIHF tournaments, member national associations (MNAS) and IIHF events such as the first ever Global Hockey Forum (GHF) taking place beginning of October 2025 in Nice, France.  

• Mental Health Resources for Athletes: Providing access to wellness tools and support networks during competitions. 

• Partnerships with Mental Health Organizations: Collaborating with experts to ensure well-being is embedded in high-performance environments. 

• New E-Learning for Coaches: Rolling out an online mental wellness performance module in the 2025-26 season to strengthen awareness and skills among team leaders. 

• In-Event Wellness Support: Establishing pre-event planning, in-tournament education, and post-event evaluations to create consistent care pathways for athletes. 

Spotlight on HONE Athletics 

HONE Athletics has emerged as a cornerstone partner in the IIHF’s mental health strategy. Piloted across four major IIHF tournaments in 2025, HONE’s platform captured real-time mental wellness data, built culture-focused team environments, and empowered coaches with actionable insights. 

Key findings from the pilot included: 

• Strong Engagement: Teams with early onboarding (e.g., Canada U18 and Latvia U18) achieved up to 74% athlete participation before tournaments began. 

• Universal Challenges: Fatigue and mental strain consistently ranked as top concerns for athletes. 

• Actionable Insights: Coaches used anonymized data to adjust recovery protocols, schedules, and communication strategies. 

Moving forward, the IIHF aims to embed HONE in its Long-Term Athlete Development model, ensuring season-long, not just tournament-specific support. 

A Collective Responsibility 

Mental health affects everyone, and addressing it requires unity. From teammates checking in on each other, to coaches fostering positive locker room cultures, to fans showing compassion both online and in the stands, the hockey community plays a vital role. 

To mark World Mental Health Day, IIHF-affiliated teams and players are invited to: 

• Wear green tape or armbands in solidarity. 

• Participate in awareness activities. 

• Share personal stories using the hashtag #IIHFMindMatters. 

Looking Ahead and Reflecting on a Successful Global Hockey Forum  

As the world navigates ongoing challenges, the IIHF remains committed to promoting not only the physical excellence of ice hockey but also the mental resilience and humanity that define it. 

“Together, we can build a sport culture where mental wellness and health are respected, supported, and prioritized - on and off the ice,” concluded Tardif. 

The recently concluded Global Hockey Forum (GHF), held last week in Nice, France, was a great success, part of it helped bringing together leaders and experts to further the conversation on mental health in hockey.

Pete DeBoer, Team Canada's (men) assistant coach, shared his perspective: 
“Mental health awareness in our sport has come a long way. Today, it’s an integral part of coaching - whether you're leading a women’s or men’s team. We now have tools, like Hone, that support both athletes and coaches. I’ve personally used it with professional teams, and it’s made a real difference. In today’s environment, you simply can’t overlook the role mental health plays in day-to-day operations. Resources like this are essential to supporting athletes on and off the ice.” 

Jessica Renney, founder of HONE Athletics, added: 
“Mental health is a critical issue in hockey, especially for athletes. While 30 to 50 percent of the general population seek support, only about 10 percent of athletes do. That’s why tools like Hone are essential. It asks athletes seven targeted questions about stressors like disconnection, relationships, fatigue, criticism, and pressure. The responses are anonymous, giving coaches a team-wide view without singling out individuals. Addressing mental health as a team helps create a more supportive environment.”