In a packed school gymnasium, students sat shoulder-to-shoulder, listening intently—not just to stories, but to a message many of them needed to hear. Supported by a $25,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, Triple Play brought “Project 11” to life across Kenora and surrounding Indigenous communities during a powerful four-day initiative in October 2025.
Delivered in partnership with the Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends, the True North Youth Foundation, and local school boards, Project 11 goes beyond traditional programming. It creates space for honest conversations about mental health, something increasingly critical for today’s youth.
Project 11 was created in memory of Rick Rypien, a former Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose player who was passionate about making mental health supports accessible to young people. Since its launch in 2012, the program has trained over 5,200 educators and is reaching more than 120,000 students in 1,500 Manitoba classrooms in 2025 alone.
In Kenora, the impact was immediate and deeply felt. The initiative included school visits, youth-focused activities, educator workshops, and community engagement sessions. Students learned practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and understand that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
A local health educator noted a troubling rise in student anxiety in recent years, with many turning to unreliable sources online for guidance. Project 11 offers a different path. “It gives kids the tools and language to manage stress,” she shared. “Students are hearing from their teachers that it’s okay to ask for help.” As a result, more students are stepping forward, seeking support, and engaging in conversations about their mental well-being.
Educators, too, have embraced the program. Following hands-on training sessions, teachers from the Kenora Catholic District School Board, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, and First Nation communities are now integrating Project 11 into their classrooms. Many have already requested additional training after witnessing improved student engagement and emotional awareness.
The initiative culminated in a community hockey game, bringing together the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and local First Responders, including the Ontario Provincial Police and Treaty Three Police. More than a game, it was a symbol of unity—demonstrating how partnerships can build a culture rooted in compassion, connection, and care.
With support from the Community Foundation, Project 11 is helping shape a future where every young person knows they are not alone—and that help is always within reach.