This summer, the hockey community of Manitoba lost a few close friends and teammates to suicide.

But in a time of sadness, having a support system in the locker room made the coping process easier for a number of Bison athletes.

"It was more or less just support from the guys," says third-year goaltender Dasan Sydora.

"Past or current guys reaching out and stuff like that. Our dressing room is a tight knit group of guys and we care about each other, so that definitely made a big difference in my eyes."

Not only did the Bison men's hockey team come together for each other, they came together to support others struggling with mental illness.

Spearheaded by forward Liam Bilton, a Movember page was created this past November to support men's health research. Over $3,000 was raised by the team and there was also an evening game dedicated to the cause.

Additionally, a few weeks ago, a number of players collaborated with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to create a video promoting mental health and the importance of knowing that no one is ever alone in their struggles.

"It's important to take a devastating event and try and shed some light on the subject and the legacy of that person," says team captain Brett Stovin.

"From our perspective in the dressing room, many of us lost a former teammate and friend this summer and we've taken that and turned our dressing room, which was in the past just a bunch of guys that got along on a daily basis, and we've turned it into a dressing room where guys truly understand the mental state each other are in and understand the support each other need."

Sydora emphasized that there are a number of different ways you can help someone who is struggling with mental illness and that it's okay to not have all the answers.

"From past experience, make sure that you're listening and that you can empathize with the situation or the person. But after you create that relationship and rapport and let that person know that it is okay to talk about this stuff, the next stages are to try and find professional help with people who deal with this.

From that, continue to support them and be a listener and be someone who's there. You don't necessarily need to supply the tools. We're not all experts. It's okay to pass that off. Even if you don't have any advice to offer, that's fine. Just listen, support and help them find that outlet that's best for them."

This Friday's home games are also a part of Bell Let's Talk Day. There will be seven different organization booths set up on the second-floor concourse of Investors Group Athletic Centre, providing any info needed on the subject of mental health.

"There's lots of support systems out there," Stovin says.

"Whether it's your friends, teammates, family or even professionals within the field. Encourage that person to reach out to them and to spend time with people and try to find ways to reduce stress."