SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The game tests more than your skill.
It tests your decisions.
Your character.
Your ability to respond when things get hard.
The OJHL Second Assist Program is the next step in our commitment to supporting players beyond the rink — building on the foundation created through First Assist to provide deeper education, stronger support systems, and real conversations around the challenges athletes face every day.
Because becoming ready for the next level means learning how to handle pressure, responsibility, relationships, and adversity the right way.
BUILT FOR THE REALITIES OF THE GAME
Second Assist focuses on the development of mental wellness, personal accountability, and life skills that help players perform at their best — on the ice, in the room, and away from the game.
The program addresses key issues identified by players as critical to both personal and professional growth, including:
- Substance use and addiction
- The impact of substances on performance and mental health
- Healthy relationships and consent
- Bullying, harassment, and respect within team environments
- Peer pressure, decision-making, and accountability
- Building stronger communication and team culture
“Because leadership isn’t just how you play, it’s how you carry yourself every day.”
SUPPORT THAT GOES FURTHER
Second Assist continues the OJHL’s player-first commitment by giving athletes practical tools, discussion-based learning opportunities, and access to support systems designed specifically for the hockey environment.
The program includes:
- Mental health education and wellness refreshers
- Substance use awareness and prevention
- Healthy coping strategies and resilience development
- Real-life examples and athlete stories
- Team culture and communication training
- Education around bullying, harassment, discrimination, and social responsibility
- Healthy relationship and consent education
- Interactive group discussions and case-study learning
Throughout the program, players are encouraged to speak openly, think critically, and support the people around them — because strong teams are built on trust, accountability, and respect.
THE STANDARD GOES BEYOND THE ICE
Inside this league, we believe development means more than preparing players for the next game.
It means preparing them for life.
Second Assist reflects the standard we expect across the OJHL: showing up for each other, making better decisions, responding the right way under pressure, and helping build a culture where every player has the support to grow and succeed.
Because the strongest teams aren’t built by individuals.
They’re built by players willing to lead the right way together.