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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: UNH Athletics
'Stick it to Stigma' Returns Oct. 18
10/9/2025 12:10:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
UNH women’s ice hockey partners with Connor’s Climb and The Benny Fund
DURHAM, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire women's ice hockey team returns to the Whittemore Center at Key Auto Group Complex on Saturday, Oct. 18, where the team will be promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the team's annual 'Stick it to Stigma' event.
This season's event marks the ninth year that UNH women's hockey has partnered with local nonprofit organizations Connor's Climb Foundation and The Benny Fund.
The Wildcats will take on the visiting Harvard Crimson on Oct. 18 at 2pm (ESPN+), with the first 200 tickets ordered being free of charge. CLICK HERE to claim your free ticket. Once the tickets are exhausted, pricing will return to the standard $15 fee.
"We are deeply thankful to the Wildcat ice hockey family for their continued dedication to this meaningful event," said Holly Neiweem, founder of The Benny Fund. "I'm incredibly proud of the coaches and players for consistently setting a strong example for both the university and the community. It's crucial that our kids know it's okay to not be okay, and that they are never alone."
The importance of the event is shared by the Wildcats.
"Mental health is something I have struggled with my entire life. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I remind myself that it's okay not to be okay," shared UNH women's hockey associate coach Stephanie Jones, "I'm grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and coworkers, who remind me that I'm not alone in this journey. This game means a lot to me -- we need to continue desensitizing the stigma surrounding mental health and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
The Oct. 18 game will feature an in-game auction of the Wildcats' specially-designed Stick it to Stigma jerseys, with proceeds benefitting Connor's Climb and the Benny Fund. Fans with the highest bids will get to meet their player and get a photo while receiving the game-worn jersey immediately following the game.
"Collaborating with other organizations dedicated to reducing suicide in our state is the only way to affect change and spread awareness around mental health," said Lindsay Gilbert, Executive Director of Connor's Climb Foundation. "We are excited for the opportunity to bring our community back together once again for this special game."
Following the game, fans are invited to "Skate with the 'Cats", where attendees will get the opportunity to join the Wildcats for a postgame skate.
ABOUT CONNOR'S CLIMB FOUNDATION and THE BENNY FUND
Founded over a decade ago, Connor's Climb Foundation remains dedicated to providing evidence- based suicide prevention education and training to schools and communities in New Hampshire. The Benny Fund promotes honest dialogue, better education at home and in our schools, and increased compassion to help break the stigma around mental health challenges and suicide.
WILDCATS FOR LIFE RETURNS SEPT. 29-OCT. 10
• UNH Athletics' annual fall fundraiser, Wildcats for Life, is now underway and lasts through Friday, Oct. 10. Support student-athletes across all programs. This year, the impact of all gifts will go even further thanks to a $35,000 match! Stay tuned for how you can get involved and help fuel the success of our Wildcats.
This season's event marks the ninth year that UNH women's hockey has partnered with local nonprofit organizations Connor's Climb Foundation and The Benny Fund.
The Wildcats will take on the visiting Harvard Crimson on Oct. 18 at 2pm (ESPN+), with the first 200 tickets ordered being free of charge. CLICK HERE to claim your free ticket. Once the tickets are exhausted, pricing will return to the standard $15 fee.
"We are deeply thankful to the Wildcat ice hockey family for their continued dedication to this meaningful event," said Holly Neiweem, founder of The Benny Fund. "I'm incredibly proud of the coaches and players for consistently setting a strong example for both the university and the community. It's crucial that our kids know it's okay to not be okay, and that they are never alone."
The importance of the event is shared by the Wildcats.
"Mental health is something I have struggled with my entire life. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I remind myself that it's okay not to be okay," shared UNH women's hockey associate coach Stephanie Jones, "I'm grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and coworkers, who remind me that I'm not alone in this journey. This game means a lot to me -- we need to continue desensitizing the stigma surrounding mental health and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
The Oct. 18 game will feature an in-game auction of the Wildcats' specially-designed Stick it to Stigma jerseys, with proceeds benefitting Connor's Climb and the Benny Fund. Fans with the highest bids will get to meet their player and get a photo while receiving the game-worn jersey immediately following the game.
"Collaborating with other organizations dedicated to reducing suicide in our state is the only way to affect change and spread awareness around mental health," said Lindsay Gilbert, Executive Director of Connor's Climb Foundation. "We are excited for the opportunity to bring our community back together once again for this special game."
Following the game, fans are invited to "Skate with the 'Cats", where attendees will get the opportunity to join the Wildcats for a postgame skate.
ABOUT CONNOR'S CLIMB FOUNDATION and THE BENNY FUND
Founded over a decade ago, Connor's Climb Foundation remains dedicated to providing evidence- based suicide prevention education and training to schools and communities in New Hampshire. The Benny Fund promotes honest dialogue, better education at home and in our schools, and increased compassion to help break the stigma around mental health challenges and suicide.
WILDCATS FOR LIFE RETURNS SEPT. 29-OCT. 10
• UNH Athletics' annual fall fundraiser, Wildcats for Life, is now underway and lasts through Friday, Oct. 10. Support student-athletes across all programs. This year, the impact of all gifts will go even further thanks to a $35,000 match! Stay tuned for how you can get involved and help fuel the success of our Wildcats.
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