Ottawa Charge’s Gabbie Hughes, Rebecca Leslie and Samantha Isbell talk mental health in sport

When it comes to playing hockey, sometimes the biggest challenges happen off the ice. Although mental health in sport is often overlooked, Ottawa Charge players Gabbie Hughes, Rebecca Leslie and Samantha Isbell have been working to change that for years. 

Hughes, forward for the Ottawa Charge, is head ambassador for Sophie’s Squad, a nonprofit that encourages athletes to have difficult conversations about mental health. Hughes co-founded the organization in 2021 to honour Sophie Wieland, who was just 14 when she took her own life. 

“I spent a lot of time coaching [Sophie], shooting pucks with her,” said Hughes. “She struggled for about three years. And I just think no one should ever have to struggle in silence for that long.”

Hughes and the rest of Sophie’s Squad recognize the challenges athletes face day to day. The organization provides resources, supports community initiatives and promotes open conversations about mental health stigma, all with the message that it’s courageous to ask for help. 

“Over the last four years, the changes I've seen in people's perspectives and outlook on mental health have grown substantially,” Hughes said. However, she nonetheless noted that “there's still a super, super big gap that we need to fill on the stigma of people really talking about their feelings, and that's exactly what we're here to do.”

Leslie, also a forward on the Charge, has been in the mental health advocacy game for years. In 2010, she helped create the pioneering organization Do It For Daron (DIFD) in memory of Daron Richardson, her friend and teammate who died by suicide.

“It's special knowing that an organization that we created as just teenagers has inspired so many conversations and touched the lives of so many,” said Leslie. 

According to the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport, there is often a misconception that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. But no one—not even athletes—is above caring for their mental health.

“Mental health is something that affects everybody,” says Isbell, who is a defender on the Charge and a content creator off the ice. “Some injuries aren’t just the ones you see on your body. It's the ones that are inside your head.”

In fact, taking care of your mental health can be even more important for athletes who are balancing the stresses of sport and everyday life. 

“There's a lot of pressure that you're dealing with on the ice, in the classroom, at home, friends, family, a lot of relationships you're trying to juggle and fans as well that you want to make proud,” Hughes said of student athletes. 

Those pressures only increase at elite levels. 

“We're often looked at as these strong individuals, but in reality, we too deal with the same struggles that everyone else does,” Leslie added. She noted that for female athletes, there is often an expectation to “push through injury” and “keep our emotions in check,” which discourages open dialogue about mental health. 

“It’s worth talking about, it’s worth reaching out and it’s worth speaking up about,” Isbell said. 

That's exactly why Sophie’s Squad and DIFD matter so much—having difficult conversations, supporting each other and sparking awareness are a team effort.

Leslie’s message for athletes struggling with mental health challenges? “It's strong to show your emotions. It's strong to cry and to rely on those around you.”

“You’re never alone.”

See the Charge with CAA

CAA Members can see Gabbie Hughes, Samantha Isbell and Rebecca Leslie in action—and save up to 25% on select regular season home games when purchased online. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Check out Resources — DIFD for the many options you can access. 

Adults can text HOME to 741741 and youth can reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. For emergencies, call 911.