Stars' forward Matthias Urbanski has made his mark on the Battlefords, both on the ice and off of it as well, in the community. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Away from the rink

North Stars’ forward shines a light on mental health

May 22, 2019 | 2:00 PM

North Stars’ forward, Matthias Urbanski is doing what he can to raise awareness for mental health.

Urbanski has partnered with the North Stars’ organization to start the #StarsStandStrong Mental Health Initiative.

Hosting various community-based activities and outreach opportunities, all proceeds from StarsStandStrong will be donated to local supports and services within the community.

Urbanski said the idea for the initiative began last season when sports commentator, Michael Landsberg came to the Battlefords to talk to the team about mental health.

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The presentation, along with the forward’s subsequent reflection on his personal experiences, helped get the wheels in motion for #StarsStandStrong.

“[Landsberg] did a presentation on the Sick not Weak organization, and it really inspired me to help in any way that I can with mental health awareness,” Urbanski said.

“Mental health has always been something that’s been a part of my life whether affecting me, family, or friends,” he continued. “With mental health problems and illnesses there’s a stigma that comes with it that forces the people struggling with these problems and illnesses to hide it because they’re scared of what others will see and think of them. This initiative is important because it raises awareness to these problems and illnesses, and it allows for the stigma to be broken.”

Jennifer Whyte, marketing manager for the Stars, said the initiative highlights the impact that sport can have within the community.

“When [Urbanski] came to me and asked what I thought about developing this new initiative I was immediately 100 per cent on board,” Whyte said. “The influence this team and our players have on this community and our youth is incredible. That influence allows us to give back and develop initiatives like #StarsStandStrong.”

The first event in the campaign will be a street hockey tournament and barbecue held at the Civic Centre June 15.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., kids ages five to eight and nine to 12, will be welcomed to take part in the afternoon of stick and puck, with North Stars’ players featured on the teams as coaches and players.

Including prizes and a face-paint station as well, the event is one Whyte said she and the players alike are already looking forward to.

“I was trying to think of a great and fun way to kick off this event and involve the community and youth,” Whyte said. “A number of years ago we hosted a street hockey tournament and I figured now was a great time to bring that back on a bigger scale.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1