Chetwynd Giants hockey club raises suicide prevention awareness

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The Chetwynd Giants’ U-15 squad donned purple tape for mental health awareness during January 17th’s game against the Fairview Falcons. (Chetwynd and District Minor Hockey Association, Facebook)

CHETWYND, B.C. — The Chetwynd Giants U-15 boys’ squad sent a message about teenage mental health and suicide prevention at a recent game after young deaths which have shocked the region.

On Saturday, January 17th, Giants players taped their sticks with purple tape – the colour for mental health awareness – and played their league game against the Fairview Falcons, a game Chetwynd won by a score of 7-1.

According to the website Fundraising for a Cause, purple represents the fight against suicide and acknowledges the pain and loss experienced by those left behind.

During the 2025-26 holiday season, the Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association announced the passing of a young player, with a Facebook post saying it was “unexpected.”

Around the same time, young Lexi Waldie Siemens died by suicide. Energeticcity.ca is only identifying Lexi and not the other youth out of respect for their family and friends who are grieving.

The tragic death hit home for many of the players, according to Giants’ manager Trisha MacTavish, whose son plays for the team.

Prior to Saturday’s contest, MacTavish – along with many families of team members – had a conversation about suicide and mental health with their children.

“He was a little alarmed that somebody his age is thinking of doing that or actually went through with it,” said MacTavish. “A lot of the boys on the team have played hockey against [the young man] who died. They have all seen the social media posts.

“We let all of our players know that there was help available. We just want to make sure everybody feels comfortable.”

After the contest, the Giants went to centre ice for a post-game picture, with the Chetwynd and District Minor Hockey Association posting it to Facebook.

Sticks in hand, a post underneath the picture says that hockey “teaches the importance of teamwork, support and looking out for one another.”

For more on the Chetwynd and District Minor Hockey Association, please visit the club’s Facebook page.

Anyone struggling with their mental health is urged to access support, such as the 310 Mental Health Support at 310-6789 or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 988.