Hockey players will be going at it for 24 hours all to erase the stigma surrounding men’s health.

The 3rd Annual ‘Handlebar Hockey’ game takes place this week – looking to raise awareness and funds for the Movember foundation.

Organizer Clinton Bretecher tells Mix News the more we openly discuss these issues – the closer we will be to erasing the stigma that surrounds men’s health.

“Sometimes we have a hard time talking about our emotions, our feelings and dealing with the problems we have in our lives and it comes out in ways that we generally wouldn’t want them to, in negative capacities.”

Last year’s event raised around $25,000 and this year Bretecher says the goal is $30,000.

He says these diseases have negatively impacted the lives of so many people.

Photo via: Clinton Bretecher

“It extends not just to men but anyone in your family. Whether you’re a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a partner. These issues touch everybody’s lives.”

The event also coincides with Rogers Hometown Hockey.

Bretecher says he’s been in talks with organizers about packing the Casman Centre full of people when the event comes to town next weekend.

Now in the third year, Bretecher says he’s heard countless, inspiring, heartwarming stories coming from those who take part.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of the players and they’ve indicated to me why they participate in this. As much as a reason as I have to organize this, my motivation continues to grow based on the examples in other people’s lives.”

The game takes place on Friday at the Casman Centre, starting at 7:30 p.m.

To donate, or get involved, follow the instructions in this link.