Feature photo: IG / @josephwoll
Joseph Woll’s work with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is helping to make a difference in the lives of many.
A few years ago, Woll, who had just embarked on his NHL career, thought about ways he could make an impact in the NHL city he called home.
The more the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender learned about CAMH, the more the backstopper and mental health advocate saw the possibility of a collaboration between himself and Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and globally recognized research centre.
“I reached out a few years ago, to see if there was anything I could get involved with, exploring a little bit of what I might be able to do in terms of raising awareness for mental health and mental health initiatives,” Woll told NHLPA.com. “Through those conversations came a wonderful opportunity to work together.”
Woll’s first victory of the 2024-25 NHL season, a 4-1 home win against the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 31, was a win that benefitted both the Maple Leafs and CAMH.
Shortly after the win, it was announced that Mattamy Homes, a prominent homebuilder throughout Canada and the United States, had made a $5,000 donation to CAMH on Woll’s behalf.
Mattamy Homes and Woll have partnered to contribute that amount to CAMH for each one of his wins this season.
“I reached out and from there it has grown,” Woll said of his affiliation with CAMH. “This year, we are doing this great initiative with them.”
The Missouri-born Woll, selected by the Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft, has been open about his own mental health journey, and how he has navigated difficult times in his hockey career.
Last June in Toronto, Woll joined Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome, along with lead singer/founder of hard rock band Papa Roach, Jacoby Shaddix, NHLPA wellness transition and performance specialist, Dr. Jay Harrison and CAMH psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Allison Crawford, for a panel called, Breaking the Ice: Uniting Rock Stars and Athletes in Mental Health Advocacy for Canada’s 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, on behalf of CAMH.
Presented by Canadian Music Week, the goal of the event was to empower others to prioritize mental well-being and deliver the message that help is available to everyone, including through Canada’s 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
“It brought together three things that I love in life – music, hockey and the mind,” noted Woll. “I was happy to be up there and talk about my experience, but the coolest thing was to listen to other people and their stories – to see the humanity in that room was very inspiring.
“A well-known, renowned musician, who was very open about his mental health journey – I just enjoy having good conversations with people. Everyone was very open and earnest in their discussions.”
Woll wants to inspire others to do the same.
“Mental health, in a way, is universal to humans, regardless of who you are or where you are. It instantly connects you. I think there is a lot of strength and a lot of value to having honest conversations about your experiences and what you have learned along the way.
“Speaking and sharing with someone you are close to – that's the first step towards helping yourself.”
Woll, who wears a special tie from a CAMH supporter to every Maple Leafs home game, is grateful to have a platform to spread that message and help amplify the importance of mental health.
His connection to CAMH continues to be an eye-opening experience.
“There are some very cool things I have been introduced to through CAMH,” said Woll. “They do amazing work there – spectacular people. What they do is very fascinating to me and to see how they do it is very eye-opening and very fascinating.
“They have a yearly gala. I had one of my best friends come and we had a great night. It was very cool. It was another reminder of how fortunate I feel to help shine the light on the important work that they are doing.”
Just like Woll, who has found an ideal teammate in CAMH.
“I have had my own experience with mental health things – I thought with CAMH, it would be nice to help share some of my experiences and hopefully, inspire others.”
