August 30, 2006

It didn’t take a lot of convincing to get four homegrown NHL stars to support a tobacco-free sports message.  They all quickly agreed to take the time while home this summer to pose for a local campaign and let their fans know what they think about tobacco use and sports.

“The risks are too great, “ says Alex Auld who recently signed with the Florida Panthers.  His father, Bob Auld, addressed the misconception that some youth feel that spit tobacco gives them the edge.  He countered with “Self confidence gave these boys the edge while playing hockey in Thunder Bay.  It allowed them to say no to tobacco.”

“It doesn’t help you on the ice,” clarified Patrick Sharp who is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Other Thunder Bay notables who participated in the upcoming campaign include Trevor Letowski and Eric Staal who will be teammates on the Carolina Hurricanes.

“These young men were enthusiastic about sharing their opinion that tobacco won’t help your game,” says Susan Trevisan, Public Health Nurse with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.  “Having such high profile athletes take a stand will make it easier for local coaches and parents to reinforce the message that spit tobacco does NOT enhance your performance.”

Billboards, transit shelter ads, an arena sign and posters will begin showing up early September as hockey season starts to get underway. 

The campaign addresses recent statistics that show while cigarette smoking rates have declined, 10% of Northwestern Ontario youth aged 12-19 have admitted to using spit tobacco.   The question was placed on the latest Student Drug Use Survey after concerns voiced by janitors, teachers, parents, dentists and coaches indicated that use of the product seemed to be increasing.

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