RNS believes in the power of purple in support of Daron Richardson’s memory
SCOTT BRIGGS Telegraph-Journal
November 18, 2016
ROTHESAY • Every eye glistened with a tear, and every mouth opened in disbelief.
When members of the Rothesay Netherwood School girls varsity hockey team watched a TSN story about the tragic death of Daron Richardson, each player was reminded of the realities surrounding mental health.
Richardson committed suicide in 2010 at the age of 14. There were no obvious signs. Described as “outgoing and athletic,” she was an avid hockey player.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” RNS forward Jane Stevens recalled. “It hit everyone hard. It’s just so relevant to us. It was tough to hear, but you can’t not talk about it.”
Richardson’s parents, former NHL defenceman Luke Richardson and his wife, Stephanie, launched the Do It For Daron program to encourage people to talk about mental health, and to help Daron’s friends deal with her death.
As part of studentathlete mental wellness week, RNS will host Stanstead College in its DIFD game on Saturday at 8 p.m.
“I think this is the biggest game for a lot of us,” said Stevens, a Grade 12 student. “We’re really playing for something. Everyone is talking about it and that’s super important.”
When the Riverhawks hit the ice Saturday night, they will proudly wear purple, Richardson’s favourite colour and the one worn by groups supporting DIFD events.
“It’s very important to not just do it for Daron, but to support mental health as a whole,” RNS forward Kristen McKinley said. “It’s important to make people aware of it and what’s going on, not just with kids but adults as well. I think it needs to be talked about more. A lot of kids are starting to understand how serious it is, and that it’s OK to talk about it and OK to ask for help.”
Aside from the sadness surrounding Richardson’s death, McKinley still struggles with unanswered questions.
“What could have been done to help?” the Grade 12 student said. “Not knowing is what kind of hits me.” Riverhawks blueliner Savannah Ross, also in Grade 12, said the TSN story about Richardson is an important part of the RNS program. The sobering subject reminds the Riverhawks that their health is ultimately more important than how they perform on the ice.
“We watch it every year,” Ross said. “It brings out a lot of emotion. It’s a really touching story. There’s been so much built upon this that they’re able to bring so much awareness to the cause. She was so close to all of our ages. It’s something we can all relate to. It could happen to anyone we know.”
After hearing about Richardson’s death six years ago, RNS head coach Kayla Blackmore knew she wanted to encourage discussions about mental health. Talking openly also helps reduce the stigma sometimes attached to the disease, she added.
“We try to break that stereotype on a consistent basis,” Blackmore said. “I think that makes it really impactful. For me, it’s something I’m really passionate about. What we advocate is that it’s OK for students to struggle and talk about it, no matter what experience they’re going through.”
Like her teammates, Ross will never forget the first time she heard Richardson’s story. There’s sadness yet solace in realizing how much DIFD has impacted the RNS campus.
“It means so much to everyone here,” Ross said. “I think it’s a great initiative. I look forward to this game every year. I will definitely be involved in the future, even after I leave RNS. It’s a great opportunity to bring awareness to mental health and support this cause.”
When members of the Rothesay Netherwood School girls varsity hockey team watched a TSN story about the tragic death of Daron Richardson, each player was reminded of the realities surrounding mental health.
Richardson committed suicide in 2010 at the age of 14. There were no obvious signs. Described as “outgoing and athletic,” she was an avid hockey player.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” RNS forward Jane Stevens recalled. “It hit everyone hard. It’s just so relevant to us. It was tough to hear, but you can’t not talk about it.”
Richardson’s parents, former NHL defenceman Luke Richardson and his wife, Stephanie, launched the Do It For Daron program to encourage people to talk about mental health, and to help Daron’s friends deal with her death.
As part of studentathlete mental wellness week, RNS will host Stanstead College in its DIFD game on Saturday at 8 p.m.
“I think this is the biggest game for a lot of us,” said Stevens, a Grade 12 student. “We’re really playing for something. Everyone is talking about it and that’s super important.”
When the Riverhawks hit the ice Saturday night, they will proudly wear purple, Richardson’s favourite colour and the one worn by groups supporting DIFD events.
“It’s very important to not just do it for Daron, but to support mental health as a whole,” RNS forward Kristen McKinley said. “It’s important to make people aware of it and what’s going on, not just with kids but adults as well. I think it needs to be talked about more. A lot of kids are starting to understand how serious it is, and that it’s OK to talk about it and OK to ask for help.”
Aside from the sadness surrounding Richardson’s death, McKinley still struggles with unanswered questions.
“What could have been done to help?” the Grade 12 student said. “Not knowing is what kind of hits me.” Riverhawks blueliner Savannah Ross, also in Grade 12, said the TSN story about Richardson is an important part of the RNS program. The sobering subject reminds the Riverhawks that their health is ultimately more important than how they perform on the ice.
“We watch it every year,” Ross said. “It brings out a lot of emotion. It’s a really touching story. There’s been so much built upon this that they’re able to bring so much awareness to the cause. She was so close to all of our ages. It’s something we can all relate to. It could happen to anyone we know.”
After hearing about Richardson’s death six years ago, RNS head coach Kayla Blackmore knew she wanted to encourage discussions about mental health. Talking openly also helps reduce the stigma sometimes attached to the disease, she added.
“We try to break that stereotype on a consistent basis,” Blackmore said. “I think that makes it really impactful. For me, it’s something I’m really passionate about. What we advocate is that it’s OK for students to struggle and talk about it, no matter what experience they’re going through.”
Like her teammates, Ross will never forget the first time she heard Richardson’s story. There’s sadness yet solace in realizing how much DIFD has impacted the RNS campus.
“It means so much to everyone here,” Ross said. “I think it’s a great initiative. I look forward to this game every year. I will definitely be involved in the future, even after I leave RNS. It’s a great opportunity to bring awareness to mental health and support this cause.”
40 College Hill Road
Rothesay, NB
E2E 5H1
Canada
+1-506-847-8224
+1-866-768-4372
info@rns.cc
Rothesay, NB
E2E 5H1
Canada
+1-506-847-8224
+1-866-768-4372
info@rns.cc
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Rothesay Netherwood School is located on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq Peoples. We are honoured to share this place, and as a school community, we are committed to being responsible stewards of the land on which we live, teach, and learn, both today and for future generations.
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