DENVER – Rivalries on the ice, and in all of sport, can be heated, but prior to game three of the Battle for The Gold Pan series on March 3rd in Magness Arena, Denver and Colorado College's hockey programs, as well as a student-athletes representing nearly all programs at DU and CC, had an impactful opportunity off the ice; the chance to dialogue with the Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Vivek H. Murthy on the importance of mental health in the United States and the world.   

"Since releasing my Surgeon General's Advisory on Youth Mental Health, I have been lucky enough to speak with students across the country about ongoing efforts to address the crisis," U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Murthy said.  "My visit to Denver was particularly powerful and informative, as I was able to speak with students about what programs are helping, what further support they need, and critically, how they've come together to support each other in their mental health journeys, especially through the Green Bandana Project.  It was also an honor to drop the ceremonial puck at a Gold Pan game. I'm grateful for the students and faculty at the University of Denver and Colorado College for sharing their insights and for their commitment to improving mental health for students on campus." 

Before his ceremonial puck drop in-front of the second largest crowd in Magness Arena history, Vice Admiral Murthy held two sessions with more than 30 student athletes from both institutions discussing the state of mental health in young adults and strategies to support them. 

"It was a remarkable experience and opportunity for the DU Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and our student athletes to have a discussion with Dr. Murthy," SAAC President Sophia Zulich said. "It was an unparalleled moment for our student athletes to dialogue regarding the importance of mental health, the implications of mental health on performance, and to touch on all of the initiatives we put on and complete through DU SAAC for improved wellbeing."  

Denver's Student-Athlete Advisory Council has joined forces with CIGNA to prioritize initiatives through the Green Bandana Project, while also hosting Dog Days (visits from calming K9s) and organizing grief support groups when necessary to take care of their fellow student-athletes.  

"Our staff looks to prioritize mental health in all areas of our department, but what an exceptional opportunity for our Student-Athlete Advisory Council and both the Denver and Colorado College student-athletes to hear directly from the individual aiming to prioritize mental health for our country," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "We're very thankful for Dr. Murthy making the time to visit with our student-athletes and administrators and his attention to the importance of self-care, reducing stigma and supporting mental wellbeing in the United States."  

Colorado College was also tremendously thankful for the opportunity to hear from the U.S. Surgeon General before taking the ice on the Friday evening.  

"The opportunity for our student-athletes to meet with the Surgeon General of the United States was extremely exciting," Colorado College Vice President and Director of Athletics Lesley Irvine said. "We are focused on prioritizing student-athlete mental health and well-being at Colorado College, therefore the chance to engage at length and openly about first-hand student experiences was so impactful."   

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