OHL Starts Mental Health Program For 2014 Season

((HT: Global Toronto))

After the suicide of junior league hockey player Terry Trafford last season, the Ontario Hockey League decided in the off-season to pair with the Canadian Mental Health Association have paired to start a program where teams get a mental health coach for counseling, training on recognizing signs of suicide and depression and appointing so-called “mental health champions” to talk to the public about what the OHL is doing.

As part of the #TalkToday effort, OHL Commissioner David Branch said: “We view the importance of this subject matter, given the terrible tragedy that we all faced, that we had to maybe step up our efforts in this area and provide a more focused area of support. No question, the tragedy of Terry’s death only served to say we must move forward and provide greater support in educating our players and everyone else involved about the signs of suicide and how we can help make a difference.”

Here's Leslie Roberts with Trafford's dad talking about the initiative


According to numbers released by the CMHA, suicide is the second-leading cause of death in young Canadians behind accidents and is responsible for a quarter of deaths among 18-to-24-year-olds nationwide. 3.2 million teenagers from the ages of 12 to 19 are at risk of developing depression.

The HQ hopes this helps...

Terry Trafford Autopsy Results Released (UPDATED)

((HT: WNEM-TV))

And it appears to be self-inflicted asphyxiation...

The Saginaw Spirit winger was found in a Wal-mart parking lot in an SUV a week after being reported missing by his club...

Trafford had been suspended for disciplinary reasons that were reportedly partying too much on a road trip. The fourth-year player on the Spirit roster had only suspended by the team and not released, but Trafford apparently told his girlfriend that he wanted to end it all in a communication with her before he went missing...

Here's the latest from Saginaw...
WNEM TV 5

The Spirit postponed their mid-week game in the Ontario Hockey League so the team and its players could mourn Trafford's death...

FRIDAY UPDATE: Trafford will have a Tuesday funeral in his home town of Toronto with visitation Sunday and Monday. Spirit team president Craig Goslin says the team will visit Sunday.

The Ontario Hockey League team says its home game with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds that was postponed from Wednesday because of Trafford’s death will take place Monday, ending its regular season.

Saginaw visits SSM on Friday and hosts the London Knights Saturday.

DEVELOPING: Terry Trafford Found Dead

((HT: Sportsnet))

Saginaw, Michigan police found the body of junior hockey player Terry Trafford in an SUV in a Wal-Mart parking lot early Tuesday afternoon. He had been missing since last Monday after being suspended from the Saginaw Spirit for a violation of team rules.

Jessica Shepherd of the Saginaw News caught up with a woman who claimed she dated Trafford since 2010- when they were in high school together in town:

Trafford's girlfriend, Skye Cieszlak, said Trafford sent her a message stating "his life was over and that he didn't want to do it anymore" on Sunday, March 2. Cieszlak said Trafford was "devastated" after the Spirit sent him home because of rule violations.

She told WNEM-TV that Trafford was devastated that "the team didn't want him back." She also said that Trafford was sent home from a road trip for partying too much...

The Spirit released a statement on their own:

Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s family and his friends both in Ontario and Michigan. Terry played on our team and was a member of the Spirit family for the last four years and he will be missed.

We have reached out to Terry’s parents and will look to provide them with support over the coming days. In addition, we met with team players and staff this evening, along with our Team Chaplain.

On behalf of the Spirit we would like to thank the police who were looking for Terry, the media for providing updates and all who provided information. The coming days will be difficult and we will endeavor to keep the community and media apprised of arrangements and other details.

Here's the story before Trafford was found
((HT: WNEM-TV))
WNEM TV 5

Terry Trafford Missing From Saginaw Spirit

((HT: Sportsnet))

Saginaw Spirit player Terry Trafford was suspended from the team for disciplinary reasons, but has been missing since Monday.

A missing persons report has been filed with Saginaw police. Team President and managing partner Craig Goslin said the entire organization is very concerned for the young man is hoping he is found safe soon.

Trafford is in his fourth year with the team and his output has improved each year.
In 54 games this season, he has 32 points (8G, 24A)

Sportsnet caught up with Trafford's parents...

Flyers Prospect Stolarz Gashed By Skate

((HT: RogersTV/Hockey Prospects Video))

This, there is no dispute, was an ugly injury that could have been a whole lot worse...

Last night, when London played Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League, Knights goalie and Flyers prospect Anthony Stolarz was gashed by a skate blade in the crease...


Stolarz is 21-4-1-1 with the Knights this year with a 2.58 goal-against average and .925 save percentage.

He tweeted out later last evening:

At the hospital now. Thank you all for the kind words. Nothing too serious and I'll be looking to get right back on the as soon as I can.