The Hunterdon Bears: Championing Mental Health by Building Better Athletes and Better People

We recently spoke with Mike Markowycz, Director of Communications and Social Media from the Hunterdon Bears who play out of Flemington Ice Arena in New Jersey, about the organization’s Championing Mental Health: Building Resilient Athletes Program, an initiative designed to help young athletes develop the tools they need to navigate stress, understand their emotions, and build mental resilience both on and off the ice. By making mental health education an integral part of the hockey experience, the Bears are emphasizing the importance of developing not only stronger athletes, but also healthier, more compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. Below, Mike shares how the program works, what inspired its creation, and why prioritizing mental well-being is an essential part of helping young athletes succeed in sports and in life.

How does the program work in practice?

The education is tailored to each age group. For example, the program matures from 8U to 10U to 12U and so on. This year our partnership with Prevention Resources led to providing three, one-hour classes between September and January. The program has evolved and expanded each year as we obtain feedback from parents and players. 

Education typically begins with recognizing that, as humans, we have feelings, so recognition is the first step. This then evolves into how those feelings affect us. The effects are generally framed in the context of hockey and how it changes our abilities in practice or in games. However, the overall message is that feelings, our recognition of them and how we cope are applicable in all areas of our life. We are building better humans and Being Better Bears. An important distinction is that we are providing education and tools, not therapy or treatment. We learn to walk the fine line between mental resiliency, compassion and competitiveness. Being mentally aware, fair, and compassionate builds a stronger athlete and person. Make no mistake, we want our players competing fiercely, but in a way that exhibits sportsmanship and respect for others.

Is this for any specific age group or division?

The program is for every level of hockey that are part of the Hunterdon Bears and NJ Bears (our Junior program). Our figure skating program is also provided with access to the program. Though it is only once per year, we continue to seek to expand it.

What prompted the Bears to create this program? 

Recognition that our players are placed under a great deal of stress. Quite frankly, we realize and want sport, in this case our hockey and figure skaters, to be an outlet that prevents kids from turning to less productive outlets for stress. We have to keep in mind that these players are still playing a youth sport, and are not professional athletes. Providing our youth athletes with the tools to be successful in life and in sport is the ultimate goal. Building a strong foundation that fosters a love of the game and develops resilience is just as important as building athletic skills. Sports are an incredible opportunity to teach lessons that last a lifetime, long after the final whistle. By focusing on both the athlete and the person, we can help young players grow into confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals. That’s where the lasting impact is, and that’s what truly matters.

Who is involved in delivering the program? 

Prevention Resources provides the trained educators and content with input from the Bear’s internal Team leading the initiative and partnership with them. Prevention Resources is a non-profit agency with a 50-year history as a critical community resource, headquartered in Hunterdon, NJ with service to Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties. Prevention Resources (PR) promotes health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities through education, collaboration, advocacy, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. 

Can you share a specific example of its impact? 

The great thing about this program is that if it does its job, it’s in the background and there are no grand moments. It’s doing what’s right for these players without being asked or demanded too. And hopefully shows through on and off the ice for our athletes, essentially speaking for itself in the way our players play, behave, and react. We do have families that appreciate the importance of the program and have had Juniors decide to play specifically with our program due to access to it. 

Given this spirit and commitment to supporting youth mental health, Mike Golembiewski, owner of Flemington Ice Arena, along with its staff and coaches, was honored with the 2026 Taste of Hunterdon Spirit Award. This recognition represents something much bigger than the rink - it celebrates a community united by dedication and a shared commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young athletes.