Paramount VetNet made their way to Pittsburgh for the Malone Family Foundation, “Black and Gold Breaking the Mold” event benefitting the Pittsburgh Warriors, a nonprofit veteran service organization aiming to help veterans with their mental health and well-being through hockey. Before the Pittsburgh Warriors and former and current NHL players suited up for an exhibition game, there was a panel discussion with veterans and mental health professionals.
The panel included, Colby Armstrong (NHL Veteran and TV Analyst), Ryan Malone (NHL Veteran, Founder “Malone Family Foundation”), Dr. Ken Nash (Board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and neurology), Sam Johnson (Chairman “Pittsburgh Warriors Organization”), Sarah and Caleb Kolb (Cofounders “Aurelius 520”), John “JP” Kelly (Captain (P), US Army (Ret.), Forward, Pittsburgh Warriors), and Kathleen Edwards (Senior Airman, US Air Force, Forward, Pittsburgh Warriors).
Veteran panelists were able to share their unique story on how playing hockey for the Pittsburgh Warriors has benefitted their mental well-being. The mental health clinicians and experts also gave insight into the services they provide to first responders and military personnel and how their programs can positively impact mental health in those communities.
After two periods the teams were tied, and the game went to a shootout to determine the winner. In true poetic fashion, as if the proof of how well the program works, they were skating down the ice towards the goal, US Air Force veteran Kathleen “Kat” Edwards scored the winning goal. Of course, she didn’t do it alone as her teammate made a save on the opponent’s last shot with a chance to tie and extend the game.After two periods the teams were tied and the game went to a shootout to determine the winner. In true poetic fashion, as if the proof of how well the program works was skating down the ice towards the goal, US Air Force veteran Kathleen “Kat” Edwards scored the winning goal. Of course, she didn’t do it alone as her teammate made a save on the opponents last shot with a chance to tie and extend the game.
Paramount Veterans Network was honored and thrilled to be apart of MTV Entertainment’s initiative for Mental Health Action day. Check out the coverage of the event below!