Bentley University x COYT

There truly are so many ways to Check on Your Teammates and we’re here to share yet another one from The Bentley University Hockey Team.

Daniel “Gudge” Gentzler is an Assistant Coach for Bentley University's Men's Ice Hockey team. His initial interest in the message grew into a meaningful conversation centered around mental health awareness and remembrance for his teammate.

Recognizing that September was Suicide Prevention Month and the significant personal meaning—the anniversary of one of his friends taking his life—Gudge decided to share the hats with the team to honor Walker’s memory and normalize talking about mental health and suicide prevention within his coaching environment.

The hats are a tangible and wearable reminder of the important of checking in and are being worn across campus by the team every day.

We never want to tell anyone the right or wrong way to do this, but rather show examples of other people in our community having conversations head on. At Bentley, sharing a personal story and making a team commitment helps to create a culture where checking on teammates is normal, easy and never stigmatized.

Thanks to Gudge and the entire Bentley Program for letting us be a part of your team.