Catching up with Deej

Mental Health Advocate DJ McGrath made a stop into the WestCentralOnline Studios earlier this week to talk about Mental Health and some special upcoming hockey tournaments. 

In an interview with Country 104 Morning Show Host Aaron Harle, McGrath gave a preview of what the hockey tournaments are all about.  

“I have a lot of things going on, the first couple of months in Saskatoon have been a great fit for me. and I have a Mental Health Classic tournament that I'm going to be hosting in Saskatoon at Merlis Belsher Place on July 6th and 7th. So, I'm super excited to be expanding my tournament. Labour Day weekend this year, I have my tournament coming here August 30th, 31st and September 1st. It's going to be bigger., it's going to be better, and we'll have some more fun activities. I know it was successful last year, and I'm excited to return to my hometown and do it again.” 

McGrath then got into detail about it. 

“The biggest thing is for the kids to basically be kids. I have mental health speakers coming in and it's so it's a weekend for kids to come in and be themselves, play some hockey and have fun and create some new friendships and most importantly, come in and learn some knowledge on mental health from ex hockey players, ex female athletes that have life experience with the mental health. Last year I had kids come up to me and said they had nothing but fun and yeah, I can't wait to do it again.” 

Deej then gave a main message about his public speaking for mental health.  

“The biggest thing and the biggest message I like to say to these kids is speak up. I know sometimes it's hard to speak up to mom and dad or your support system about certain things. But like I said in my story, the biggest thing I did was tell my mom and dad what was going on, and it saved my life. So, I'm a big advocate for speaking up and especially us men. There is a big stigma of having to hold each other's feelings inside. Where it's better when we speak up and talk about our feelings and emotions because it's so much better having someone on your side in that support system. So, the biggest thing for the kids is that they're not alone and it's okay to not be okay. It's OK to be sad, but it's good having that support system, that's where I strive.”