Pubdate: Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.mykawartha.com/peterborough-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Todd Vandonk

DOES THE CHL DO ENOUGH TO PROTECT ITS PLAYERS?

Peterborough Petes have strong support networks in place to deal with
players' off-ice issues

PETERBOROUGH-- The recent death of Terry Trafford raises the question
if the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is doing enough to protect its
players off the ice.

Trafford, 20, was found dead in a vehicle in a Michigan parking lot on
Tuesday (March 11). The Saginaw Spirit forward was last seen leaving
the Wendler Arena in Saginaw on March 3, after the Spirit allegedly
kicked him off the team for smoking a marijuana on a recent road trip.
Since his disappearance, Trafford's girlfriend has spoken openly with
media about her boyfriend's battle with depression and was distraught
over his release from the team.

The cause of Trafford's death hasn't been determined, but has many
wondering if the CHL is going enough off the ice to ensure the safety
of its players. Peterborough Petes general manager Mike Oke says the
Petes have a strong support network in place for its players.

"We take very seriously the reasonability that we have to develop
these players both on and off the ice," says Oke.

"Sometimes fans and even us forget these are young men and they are
still learning and developing on the ice but they are also still
learning, developing and growing off the ice."

Oke says the support network starts with him and the coaching staff,
but if players don't feel comfortable coming to them, there are other
staff, billets, and Petes chaplain Tim Coles, who works in conjunction
with volunteer Shannon McNevan with players that might be dealing with
personal issues.

"They work with them on an emotional level at times when it is
required but also offer fellowship and friendship," says Oke.

"They meet with them on regular basis in a social setting so they
develop relationships and when they need to utilize their services
that they are comfortable."

On Sunday (March 9), the Petes took SafeTalk training to recognize the
signs of those thinking of suicide.

SafeTalk stands for Suicide Alertness is For Everyone with four
components - tell, ask, listen and keep safe.

"They deal with a lot of pressures that normal teenagers don't deal
with," says Oke.

One of those pressures is being in the limelight at such a young age,
especially in a small city like Peterborough.

"That can be flattering at times but it can also add pressure to these
young men," says Oke.

"We try to make sure we balance it and provide them with the networks,
so that if they are feeling pressure they have a vehicle to help
handle that pressure."
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MAP posted-by: Matt