Carman Collegiate hosted Craig Heisinger (Zinger), Wpg Jets Assistant General Manager and Manitoba Moose General Manager on Wednesday.

Craig Heisinger (Zinger) also spent some time speaking with the Carman Cougar hockey team. Submitted photo.

Zinger spoke to the student body about mental wellness followed up his presentation with a question and answer period. The Carman Cougar hockey team also had a chance to meet with Zinger and chat after the assembly.

A submitted article to Pembina Valley Online explained that Zinger speaks at various schools, workshops and events throughout the year in honour of Rick Rypien, a former Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jet who battled with depression.

The article included a quote from Project11, a mental wellness program that Zinger is a spokesperson for.

"Heisinger stood by and showed great belief in his good friend throughout his struggles. At each presentation Heisinger shares the heartfelt story of his relationship with Rick Rypien and emphasizes the importance of reaching out when you're going through a challenging time in your life. One in five Canadians will develop a mental illness at some time in their lives and with the help of Heisinger’s presentations and the Winnipeg Jets’ True North Foundation’s Mental Wellness program, Project 11, the hope is to help end the stigma around Mental Illness, making sure no one has to ever suffer in silence."