Vancouver Canucks’ Tyler Motte recognized for mental health advocacy
Posted May 10, 2021 2:14 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A member of the Vancouver Canucks is receiving some recognition from the NHL for his advocacy for mental health.
Tyler Motte is one of the nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.”
Motte has been outspoken about his struggles with depression and anxiety, creating his “Motter’s Mental Health Fund.” The proceeds of the fund go to a variety of mental health initiatives and foundations.
"For those of you out there that are in a tough spot, it gets better."@Canucks forward Tyler Motte opens up about his struggles battling anxiety and depression. #TheMentalGame | @MovemberCA
More: https://t.co/MTXRTgnJcd pic.twitter.com/3NpYuQjUCA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 22, 2021
Thank you to everyone for your comments and support! For those who want to help in other ways @Canucksforkids and I have teamed up to create “Motter’s Mental Health Fund” all proceeds will benefit a range mental health initiatives and foundations. https://t.co/zzdxVCcwpX https://t.co/xyvtxeMQvk
— Tyler Motte (@tmotte_14) February 24, 2021
He has also shown his support of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, wearing their logo at press conferences and speaking in support of the women’s pro game.
The other nominees from the North Division are Jack Campbell of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Milan Lucic of the Calgary Flames, Mike Smith of the Edmonton Oilers, Nick Paul of the Ottawa Senators, Corey Perry of the Montreal Canadiens, and Eric Comrie of the Winnipeg Jets.
Lucic also opened up this season about his mental health and all he dealt with following his father’s suicide six years ago.
Campbell, a career backup, has been a success story in Toronto, where he’s put up a 17-2-2 record on the season with a .923 save percentage.
Smith, 39, has rebounded in his second year in Edmonton, going 20-6-2 with a .924 save percentage.
Perry, the longtime star with the Anaheim Ducks, has carved out a niche as a veteran role player with the Canadiens, putting up 21 points in 47 games.
Each of the NHL’s 31 teams nominates a player.
Last year’s winner was former Senators forward Bobby Ryan, now with the Detroit Red Wings, who returned from the NHL/NHL Players’ Assistance program and went public with his alcohol addiction in an effort to help others with similar struggles.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom, who was also a finalist for last year’s award, was nominated again this year after putting up 14 points in 49 games this season. The 24-year-old was declared cancer-free in December, one year since he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.
