Nobody puts the Coquitlam Express in the corner. And now, the BC Hockey League (BCHL) team doesn’t want to see that happen to anyone else either.
Today (Dec. 7), the Express launched an anti-bullying campaign called See Something, Do Something.
The idea, said Express general manager Tali Campbell, is to encourage people to take positive actions when they encounter bullying.
“Bystanders are essential for prevention and intervention of bullying,” said a statement from the team.
Prevention of bullying can be achieved by:
- Welcoming all to join activities and groups
- Showing kindness, respect and empathy for others
- Supporting vulnerable people who may be targets of bullying, even if that means just sitting near them
- Getting involved with bullying prevention efforts in the community or at school
When encountering bullying, bystanders can intervene by:
- Standing up for the target of bullying behaviour
- Intervening
- Changing the subject of an abusive discussion
- Using humour to diffuse a serious situation
- Objecting to the bullying behaviour
- Validating the target of the bullying
Even if bullying has already occurred, the behaviour can be addressed by:
- Reaching out to the target of the bullying to express concern or support
- Reporting the bullying to a person of authority
- Letting the bully know privately their behaviour is inappropriate
The anti-bullying campaign is the team’s latest community-building initiative that includes: cleaning up parks and public spaces around town, as well as Poirier Street where the Express is based; supporting minor and girls hockey programs with coaching clinics and player mentors; volunteering at various community functions.
Last weekend, several representatives from the team visited young baseball player Matty Sherdahl to boost his spirits as he undergoes gruelling treatment for a brain tumour that was diagnosed late last summer.
As well, veteran forward Ryan Tattle has raised almost $25,000 in his Score for Cancer campaign to help build a breast cancer clinic at Port Moody’s Eagle Ridge Hospital.
The 20-year-old product of the City of the Arts has been pledged $1,041 for every point he scores this season and after 20 games he’s amassed six goals and 15 assists.
Tattle was also announced today as one of 10 players voted by fans to play in the BCHL 3-on-3 all-star tournament to be played in Penticton on Jan. 15.
He’ll join teammate Matthew Campbell who was selected earlier.
Campbell said beyond players’ performance on the ice, being a part of the Express should also create “better community members” away from the rink.
The Express embark on a weekend road trip to Vancouver Island beginning Friday in Nanaimo with a game against the Clippers. Saturday, they play the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The team is currently mired in eighth place in the coastal conference, five points ahead of last-place Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Its next home game is scheduled for Dec. 18, when the Powell River Kings visit the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
