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The Hockey Talks mental health awareness initiative began in 2012, following the tragic passing of Canucks player Rick Rypien in 2011. Rick was a hockey hero, a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. The Vancouver Canucks are committed to honoring Rick’s legacy by telling his story and carrying out his mission to support youth and families struggling with mental health challenges.

The Indy Fuel have honored Rick's legacy since 2023, when they became the first time an ECHL team partnered with the 'Hockey Talks' initiative in collaboration with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. 

The Indy Fuel has hosted three Hockey Talks nights as of the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, all in collaboration with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Fans are encouraged to share personal messages and messages of support to create an atmosphere of open dialogue and awareness about mental health, using the hashtag #HockeyTalks.

"The Hockey Talks mental health awareness initiative began in 2013, following the tragic passing of Canucks player Rick Rypien in 2011. Rick was a hockey hero, a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. The Vancouver Canucks are committed to honouring Rick’s legacy by telling his story and carrying out his mission to support youth and families struggling with mental health challenges."

Learn more about Hockey Talks HERE.

In addition to an annual Hockey Talks night, the Fuel partner with Anthem on school visits throughout the hockey season in the local Indianapolis area to connect with middle and high school students on prioritizing mental health. Players and students discuss topics like pressure student athletes face, how to help friends in need, and more.

The Fuel is proud to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield a local trusted health partner that offers numerous mental health  resources and supports among other health services.

“We are focused on the whole health needs of individuals, families and communities as we join together with our community partners to encourage conversations about mental health,” said Lynn Scott, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana’s Medicaid President. “The importance of emotional well-being continues to be at the forefront, as we continue to raise mental health awareness, provide education and training tools and offer community assistance with timely information and services. Our clinical experts are excited to work together with the Indy Fuel throughout the season to coordinate player visits to community based organizations and schools across Indiana to learn more about mental health stigma and mental health conditions – and how to talk about them.”

Learn more about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HERE.

Interested in hosting a Indy Fuel Hockey Talks visit at your school? Fill out our form!