Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender, Stanley Cup winner, Olympic silver medalist and mental health advocate Corey Hirsch will be speaking at a free event in Prince George on Feb. 4.
Hirsch has been named the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s wellness ambassador for 2022. Next year he’ll be bringing his speaking tour about mental health, titled Just One More Day, to six B.C. cities.
The Prince George stop of the tour is scheduled for Feb. 4, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Courtyard by Mariott hotel. To register for the free event, go online to icba.ca/corey.
“We have a mental health challenge in our society, and construction is no exception. We have to act or too many of our friends and co-workers will suffer in silence, which all-too-often leads to tragic results. That’s why I’m so proud to be ICBA’s Wellness Ambassador,” Hirsch said in a press release. “Together, ICBA and I will spread our message of the importance of starting conversations and breaking down the stigma around mental health, addiction and suicide.”
Hirsch publicly opened up about his struggles with mental health in a February, 2017, article in The Players’ Tribune.
In 1994 - the same year he won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers and an Olympic silver medal with Team Canada in Lillehammer, Norway – Hirsch attempted suicide. He was traded to the Canucks and went on to play 100 more games in the NHL, while continuing to struggle with his mental health.
Eventually he reached a point where he couldn’t play because of debilitating panic attacks and severe weight loss. That’s when he reached out to his team trainer for help.
He was eventually diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and got the lifesaving treatment he needed.
He went on to become a goaltending coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues, before joining Sportsnet Radio as the Canucks colour commentor.
“We are excited to connect Corey with our members around the province,” ICBA president Chris Gardner said in a press release. “We believe his story will resonate with construction workers and help open up new conversations about mental health, stigma, suicide and addiction.”
ICBA represents more than 3,300 members in the construction sector and is the single largest sponsor of trades apprentices in B.C.
