The Team Behind the Team: Canadiens Spotlight Mental Health Support Staf
Montreal, QC – May 30, 2025 — As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the Montreal Canadiens are turning the spotlight toward an essential but often overlooked part of their organization: the team behind the team.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Canadiens have highlighted the professionals who work quietly and consistently to ensure players are supported not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.
While fans may know the names on the back of the jerseys, there’s another roster working tirelessly behind the scenes—mental performance coaches, counselors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and support staff—all dedicated to the holistic well-being of the players.
This month, the organization emphasized the importance of mental health in professional sports and celebrated the individuals who help athletes find success both on and off the ice.
“Performance isn’t just about physical training or what happens during a game,” said Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes. “It’s also about mindset, emotional resilience, and having the right support system. Our mental health team plays a huge role in that.”
One of the key figures is the Canadiens’ Mental Performance Consultant, whose role has expanded in recent years to include regular one-on-one sessions with players, team-building workshops, and guidance on managing pressure, performance anxiety, and life transitions.
“Players are under immense scrutiny and pressure, often dealing with injuries, travel, and the demands of high performance,” said Dr. Anne Mercier, a licensed psychologist who has worked with the team since 2022. “Our goal is to give them a space to decompress, reflect, and build the psychological tools they need to thrive.”
In addition to in-house professionals, the Canadiens partner with outside specialists and wellness organizations to create a comprehensive mental health program.
This includes confidential counseling services, mindfulness training, and support for families adjusting to the fast-paced world of professional hockey.
As part of the Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, the team released a short video series featuring testimonials from players and staff who shared personal stories and the positive impact of mental health support. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle was among those who participated.
“Having someone to talk to—someone outside the locker room—makes a huge difference,” said Guhle. “It’s helped me with focus, confidence, and just staying balanced during the ups and downs of the season.”
The Canadiens’ initiative not only highlights a growing emphasis on mental health in professional sports but also reflects a cultural shift toward prioritizing well-being as a key component of success.
“This is about showing our players they’re not alone,” said Hughes. “That there’s a team behind the team—working every day to support them as people, not just athletes.”
The Montreal Canadiens’ commitment to mental health continues beyond May, promising year-round attention to the well-being of everyone who wears the CH.