The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) is proud to announce that all 24 member organizations have formally joined a new league-wide partnership with Heroic Minds, led by former professional hockey player Ben Fanelli, bringing comprehensive mental health resources and support directly to players across the league.
This initiative represents one of the most significant mental health commitments ever undertaken within junior hockey at the GOHL level and reinforces the league’s ongoing dedication to supporting the complete development of its athletes — both on and off the ice.
Through this partnership, every GOHL player will now have access to the programs, resources, and support network provided by Heroic Minds, an organization widely respected across the hockey community for its leadership in mental performance, resilience training, and mental health education.
Heroic Minds was founded by Ben Fanelli following his own playing career and life-altering injury. Since then, the organization has become a trusted resource for athletes navigating the pressures of elite competition, personal development, and life beyond hockey.
The program will provide GOHL players with:
• 24/7 Access to mental health and wellness resources
• Innovate delivery of education on mental resilience and performance
• Support tools for managing stress, pressure, and life transitions
• Workshops and development sessions for players and team staff
• A confidential and professional support structure for athletes
GOHL Commissioner Craig Spada emphasized the importance of the initiative for the league and its athletes. “Our players face enormous pressures both as elite athletes and as young people navigating an important stage of their lives. Providing them with access to professional mental health resources is not just important — it is essential. Partnering with Heroic Minds ensures that every player in the GOHL now has access to one of the most respected mental wellness programs in sport. Ben’s story, his leadership, and the work his organization does resonates deeply with young athletes.”
Spada noted that the partnership reflects the GOHL’s broader commitment to evolving player development standards and ensuring that athletes are supported in every aspect of their journey. “Development today is about far more than just hockey ability. It is about building strong, confident, resilient young people who are prepared for the next level — whether that is the Ontario Hockey League, professional hockey, or life beyond the game.
This partnership gives our players direct access to a first-class organization that understands the realities of competitive sport and is committed to helping athletes succeed.”
Ben Fanelli, founder of Heroic Minds, expressed his enthusiasm about working with the GOHL and its players. “The GOHL has shown tremendous leadership by making mental health a priority across the entire league. Providing young athletes with the tools to strengthen their mindset and navigate challenges both on and off the ice can have a lifelong impact. We’re proud to support these players and their development. The end goal is that well-being resources no longer exist as compulsory external programming and are seamlessly embedded into the leagues identity.”
The GOHL continues to position itself as one of the premier development environments in junior hockey, focusing not only on advancing players to the Ontario Hockey League and higher levels of the sport, but also on ensuring that players leave the league stronger as individuals.
With all 24 GOHL organizations now participating in the Heroic Minds program, every player in the league will benefit from a unified, league-supported approach to mental health and performance.
The partnership will begin immediately and will be integrated into team programming and league development initiatives throughout the upcoming season.
About the GOHL
The Greater Ontario Hockey League is one of Canada’s premier junior hockey development leagues and serves as the official development league of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), providing a pathway for players to advance to higher levels of the game while developing both on and off the ice.
About Heroic Minds
Heroic Minds is a mental health and mental performance organization founded by former OHL hockey player Ben Fanelli. The organization provides athletes with tools, education, and support designed to strengthen mental resilience, improve performance, and promote long-term wellbeing.
website: www.heroicminds.live/
