Movember Ahead of the Game reaches over 100,000 participants

It started in one humble community team locker room. But today, Movember Ahead of the Game has a delivery roll call of over 100,000 participants across seven countries; including over 1,500 right here in Canada. Each participant playing their part to change how young athletes and the teams around them acknowledge mental health challenges and learn the steps to take to tackle them in sport and life.

Taking on mental health like a team sport

In Canada, we call it Breaking the Ice, and that's exactly what it does. Delivered through the Western Hockey League (WHL), Breaking the Ice is the ice hockey themed variation of Movember’s global program – Ahead of the Game – that has now reached over 100,000 participants across seven countries. It teaches young hockey players, coaches and parents that mental fitness is as fundamental as skating and that asking for help or checking in on a friend is the strongest thing you can do. The pilot took off in summer 2025 and has already reached over 1,500 players, coaches and parents. Players learn skills to support a friend, ask for help, and take care of their mental fitness. Coaches and parents learn skills to recognize mental health challenges young players face, what to do to support those around them and when and where to get help.

Here’s the real win

The impact of Movember Ahead of the Game stretches far beyond the locker room. When more young men and boys feel supported – and confident asking for support – communities benefit. Thanks to the sporting clubs, funding partners, community organizations and our global Mo Community.Together, we are creating a generational shift in how mental health is talked about within sports – and beyond.

“I think the Movember Breaking the Ice program has definitely changed me just in realizing when a teammate or close friend might be down and needs a little boost…I’ve seen a lot of change and growth with our team. We’ve realized when others needed help or when it was your time maybe to go help somebody else and make sure they’re feeling good.” - Hudson Darby, Movember Breaking the Ice player participant, Swift Current Broncos, Canada

To learn more about the program and how to get involved visit breakingtheice.ca