The Indy Fuel hosted ‘Hockey Talks’ night on Friday, December 29, 2023 in collaboration with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. This will be the first time an ECHL team will partner with the initiative, started by the Vancouver Canucks, and the first to host a night dedicated to the cause.

"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.

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 Dr. Kimberly Roop, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid President in Indiana. “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.

The Fuel will participated in Movember, which works on helping fund and research me's mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. 

Learn more about Movember, HERE.