This Saturday, January 18, the Loomis Chaffee girls and boys hockey teams will take the ice against Hotchkiss at the Savage/Johnson Rink. While both matchups promise exciting competition, the games also aim to bring attention to an important cause: student-athlete mental health.

The games are part of an effort to support the mission of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit organization that advocates for mental health awareness among student-athletes. According to the organization’s mission statement, it aims to “advocate, educate, and support” by amplifying the voices of student-athletes, breaking stigmas, and providing resources to those in need. The organization asserts that all athletes should feel comfortable speaking openly about their mental health experiences without fear of judgment or being perceived as weak. 

In addition to advocacy, The Hidden Opponent seeks to educate communities about the mental-health challenges that student-athletes face, such as performance pressure, academic stress, and maintaining balance in their lives. The organization’s work encourages teams, schools, and society at large to rethink perceptions of the student-athlete experience, promoting greater understanding and support. 

Saturday’s games offer an opportunity not only to cheer on the hockey teams, but also to reflect on the broader importance of mental health in athletics. By drawing attention to the work of organizations like The Hidden Opponent, Loomis hopes to foster a more supportive and inclusive athletics culture. 

Raffle tickets will be sold during the games for a chance to win The Hidden Opponent T-shirts. The girls lacrosse team will be selling food and various snacks. 

The girls game begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by the boys game at 5 p.m.