The defenseman for the Manchester Storm of the Elite Ice Hockey League expressed his views and excitement to be returning for the charity’s 6th iteration of the Rob Craig Annual Memorial Game.
The game has been an outlet for those affected by the passing of the games name’s sake Rob Craig in 2018. The memorial match was created the same year and the inaugural match was played in June of 2018.
The match has allowed a multitude of players and close friends to honour his memory through stories and the common interest of Ice Hockey. It has also raised thousands of pounds for different mental health charities over the years and has provided a positive impact both on and off the ice for those involved.
One of the consistent supporters is Manchester Storm Defenseman Zach Sullivan. Sullivan takes to the rink once again in solidarity of the cause in order to help raise money for mental health charities. Sullivan said: “I think that anything that can raise positive awareness for mental health in sport and mental health in general I think is a wonderfully good thing.
“I think recently and over the last few years the stigma of being weak if you are depressed has gone”.
The event organisers have teamed up with a variety of mental health charities over the years. This year they have teamed up with YoundMinds, a mental health charity that looks to aid and support young people.
Sullivan added: “I think one of the toughest things you can do is talk about your mental health issues.
“It’s one of the bravest things you can do anyway”.
The memorial game is set to take place on April 27th at the Planet Ice arena in Blackburn and will see close friends of Rob Craig laces up the skates alongside former and current professionals.