DIFD DAY 18TH DECEMBER 2022

Dec. 11, 2022

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, please know that help is available. You can find a list of agencies offering free and confidential services to help you out in tough times on the Do It For Daron website.

https://www.difd.com/resources

In November 2010 14-year-old Daron Richardson died by suicide. Daron’s parents, Luke and Stephanie Richardson, decided to transform their very private pain into a public call-to-action and made a decision to support young people who struggle with mental illness.

The Richardsons are well known in hockey circles and have a strong history with the Lady Sens organization. Luke, the current Head Coach of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, was the Head Coach of the PWHL Lady Sens while their elder daughter Morgan played for the Lady Sens from 2009 to 2012. Daron was a popular member of the Bantam AA Lady Sens. Stephanie continues to support women in hockey and is currently a board member of the OWHA.

From the energy and effort of dozens of Daron’s close friends and classmates, including those in the local hockey community, Do It For Daron (DIFD) was formed as a grassroots movement with the mission of creating awareness, inspiring conversations and transforming youth mental health.

As a fundraiser for the DIFD foundation the 1st Annual DIFD Game was held on Thursday, December 20th 2012 between the PWHL Ottawa Senators and Nepean Jr. Wildcats at the Bell Sensplex.

Since then the gameday, which now also includes the U18AA and U15AA Lady Sens and Nepean Wildcats teams, has been held annually at the Bell Sensplex. The Sensplex remains a key sponsor. All proceeds from the event, now celebrating its 10th year (with a break for the COVID pandemic) go directly to the DIFD Foundation.

Please join us this year on December 18th 2022 at the Bell Sensplex - Canadian Tire rink to watch some great hockey while supporting the ongoing conversation about youth mental health.

Schedule as follows: