Junior hockey players from across the country are growing their hockey hair. And CMHA branches are the beneficiaries. From the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Fort McMurray Oil Barons, players are participating in March Mullet – a hairy fundraiser to raise money for CMHA.
The Colts started contributing to the initiative after it was founded by former team member Dan Michalsky. Michalsky and his self-proclaimed Mulleteers began styling their mops in mullets before March and then earned financial pledges for maintaining the hairstyle throughout the month.
Michalsky started a tradition in Barrie of donating proceeds to CMHA Simcoe County four years ago. Michalsky and Colts have also increased mental health awareness and sent a positive message to local youth in the community.
Last year, the campaign brought in $43,711 with OHL players chipping in $14,895. The Peterborough Petes, for instance, contributed $2,255 for CMHA Halliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and the Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness program.
Other teams have gotten onboard, including the Oil Barons, who have teamed up with CMHA Wood Buffalo.