Nepean Raiders 2026
On Sunday, February 22nd, the Nepean Raiders are coming together for something bigger than hockey.
Power to the Purple is a campaign dedicated to supporting DIFD and youth mental health. Do It For Daron (DIFD) supports education, awareness, and research initiatives at The Royal that encourage young people to talk openly about mental illness and to ask for help when needed. The hope in their research is to develop technology to prevent suicide risks and save lives. Our team is taking the ice not only to play hockey but to fight for change. The game is dedicated to spreading awareness and raising funds for youth mental health.
Every donation counts- large or small, and will make a difference in the community.
How can you support? Donate, come on out to the game, cheer us on, spread the word- let's Do It For Daron, and for everyone else who needs our support. the Royal and their mental health initiatives.
Toronto Leaside Junior Wildcats DIFD Day 2026
Do it for Daron (DIFD) Day will take place on Saturday, January 31st at the Leaside Memorial Arena.
This fun‑filled day is about more than just hockey — it’s about coming together to spark conversations, raise awareness, and support youth mental health. DIFD funds vital education, awareness, and research initiatives that empower young people to talk openly about mental illness and seek help when needed.
The event will include:
Lots of purple-themed goodies for sale to raise funds for DIFD
A 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to support DIFD
DIFD Message Board so you can leave encouraging and motivational messages
Leaside Home teams will receive a DIFD Care Package from the Junior Wildcats with DIFD themed resources to help you participate
DIFD “Skate with the Junior Wildcats” for Mental Health Awareness (Saturday, January 31@ 2:15-3:45pm Leaside Memorial Gardens Pad B)
The day will wrap up with the Leaside Jr. Wildcats vs. Barrie Sharks at 7:40pm.
Follow on Instagram (@jrleaside), mark your calendars, and bring your family and friends! Every dollar raised goes to DIFD, helping create a brighter future for youth mental health. 💜🏒
Paint it Purple 2026
On the weekends of January 24th-25th and January 31st-February 1st, 2026, the Nepean Wildcats Hockey Association will be hosting it’s 44th annual Do-it-for-Daron Competitive and House league girls hockey tournaments. In the past, over 200 teams have registered over both weekends, with attendees from all over Ontario coming to our Nation’s capital- spread out on the rinks, at the restaurants, the hotels- and many more local landmarks!
Let’s paint the city PURPLE!
The tournament has joined forces with DIFD at the Royal. DIFD initiatives align with the Nepean Girls Hockey Association’s commitment to building healthy athletes; both in body and mind.
Ottawa Law Classic 2026
The Ottawa Law Classic is returning for its seventh annual game taking place on Saturday, January 17th, 2026!
The Ottawa Law Classic is an annual charity hockey game played between students from the University of Ottawa’s Common Law and Civil Law faculties. It is their mission to bring Ottawa’s legal community together through sport in an effort to educate the next generation of legal leaders about the importance of prioritizing mental wellness.
They are happy to share that the Ottawa Law Classic is continuing the tradition of partnering with Do It For Daron (DIFD) and the Ottawa Gee Gee's Men's and Women’s Hockey Teams.
Thanks to the involvement of the Ottawa community, they have successfully raised over $55,000 in past years through the generous support of our sponsors and the Ottawa community.
Please click HERE for more details and to purchase a ticket!
Hockey Talks 2026
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:00pm
Venue: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
Join us for Hockey Talks 2026, a powerful theme night hosted by the Ottawa Senators in partnership with Bell Let’s Talk at the Canadian Tire Centre. Aligned with Mental Health Awareness Month, this evening aims to break the stigma, open conversations, and raise funds to support youth mental health initiatives. The Senators and Senators Community Foundation are dedicating this game to mental health awareness, recognizing the increasing challenges faced by young people in managing emotional well-being.
Be part of a game that matters—on and off the ice. Join us at CTC on January 13 to speak up, support mental health, and stand with youth in our community.
PWHL Mental Health Awareness Game
The PWHL Ottawa Charge hosts a major Mental Health Awareness Event on January 3rd, 2026, partnering with DIFD to raise awareness for youth mental health after the tragic losses of Daron Richardson and Sophie's Squad's namesake, Sophie. Players like Rebecca Leslie (who co-founded DIFD) and Gabbie Hughes (Sophie's Squad) championed the cause, using the platform for fundraising, resource sharing, and encouraging open conversations, highlighting that mental health struggles affect everyone, even elite athletes, and promoting resources for support.
About the Event
Date: January 3rd, 2026 at 1:00pm
Teams: PWHL Ottawa Charge vs. Minnesota Frost at TD Place
Focus: Highlighting youth mental health initiatives and breaking the stigma