(HALIFAX, N.S.) - With four AUS men's hockey games taking place in three provinces around Atlantic Canada today on Bell Let's Talk Day, fans around the conference came out in droves to show their support for the cause.
AUS and Bell Aliant announced earlier this month they would be joining forces for the sixth annual Bell Let's Talk Day on Jan. 27th. AUS student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans from all 11 AUS member universities stepped up to support the cause in the lead up to Bell Let's Talk Day, sharing personal stories and speaking out to help end the stigma around mental illness.
Nearly 9,000 spectators came out to show their support at four Bell Let's Talk AUS events this evening as all eight AUS men's hockey teams took to the ice.
"We've seen something truly special come out of this partnership and this campaign," said AUS executive director Phil Currie. "Since announcing our involvement with the Bell Let's Talk campaign, AUS student-athletes and coaches have come forward to share their stories and to support this cause in ways we never could have imagined. The success of tonight's events was so good to see and is really just the cherry on top of what has been a very meaningful campaign for such an important issue."
The first few hundred fans at each AUS men's hockey game this evening received Bell Let's Talk toques. Stations were set up at each venue where fans were invited to participate by creating personalized speech bubbles, taking photos to share on social media and signing banners to show their support.
Saint Mary's Huskies at Dalhousie Tigers (Halifax, N.S.) – Box Score
The Halifax Forum housed 3,000 fans this evening as the Dalhousie Tigers hosted their crosstown rivals, the Saint Mary's Huskies. Bell Let's Talk spokesperson and well-known entertainer Mary Walsh took part in the ceremonial puck drop alongside Halifax's Mayor Mike Savage.
The Huskies edges the Tigers 5-4 in a hard-fought back-and-forth battle. Saint Mary's Jaime Doornbosch notched the game-winner and earned Subway Player of the Game nods. Following the game, Tigers team captain Luke Madill and Huskies captain Stephen MacAulay each took a side of the Bell Let's Talk banner signed by supporters and posed together with both of their teams for a photo – signifying the slogan and hashtag #OneTeamForMentalHealth used by the conference throughout the Bell Let's Talk initiative.
St. Thomas Tommies at UNB Varsity Reds (Fredericton, N.B.) – Box Score
In New Brunswick, an all-Fredericton battle took place as the UNB Varsity Reds played host to the St. Thomas Tommies. Tommies and Varsity Reds alike sported blue tape on their sticks to honour the occasion. AUS and ACAA student-athletes from both the host and visiting schools came together to volunteer for the Bell Let's Talk Day game which drew nearly 3,000 fans.
The home team earned a convincing 8-2 win and UNB's Cam Braes was named Subway Player of the Game after notching two goals and an assist, which included the game-winning goal.
StFX X-Men at Acadia Axemen (Wolfville, N.S.) – Box Score
In Wolfville, N.S., over 2,000 fans flooded the Andrew H. McCain Area to watch the Acadia Axemen take on the visiting StFX X-Men. Prior to the game, the X-Men and the Axemen took to the ice for a group photo in their matching blue Bell Let's Talk toques.
Acadia edged StFX 3-2 in the matchup, with Sam Fioretti netting the game-winning goal for the home team at 16:58 of the third period. Subway Player of the Game honours went to StFX goalie Drew Owsley who made 28 saves in the loss.
Moncton Aigles Bleus at UPEI Panthers (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – Box Score
In Charlottetown, P.E.I., nearly 1,000 fans came out to support their Panthers and Bell Let's Talk Day as UPEI took on the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus at MacLauchlan Arena. Earlier today, UPEI Panthers student-athletes from every sport came together for a group photo sporting their Bell Let's Talk toques.
The Aigles Bleus came away with a 4-2 victory. Alex Noel notched the game-winning goal for the visitors.
For complete recaps from tonight's games, please click here.