Overview

• The NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) has launched a mental health initiative called the First Line program, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
• The program is designed to educate players about mental health, helping them to understand and recognize potential warning signs in themselves, teammates, and family members.
• First Line is not therapy or counseling, but a preventive measure aimed at arming players with knowledge and skills to take the first step towards mental health awareness and support.
• About 20 players, including Calgary captain Mikael Backlund and New York Rangers' Blake Wheeler, have taken the pilot class, which was developed in response to player feedback during the pandemic.
• The program is voluntary and is being offered to interested players throughout the 2023-24 regular season.