SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – An annual tradition mixing hockey and mental health awareness took place this weekend.

The ninth edition Fight like a Ninja hockey tournament was held at the Scheels Iceplex in honor of Brittany Corcoran.

Corcoran committed suicide after a battle with depression, but her light shines throughout the annual tournament.

She was a hockey fanatic, so the tournament also served as a fundraiser for a scholarship fund for other young girls who shares his passion.

“Every year we see many of the same faces come back, and they choose to come back year after year, not only because of hockey but also the message we give them every year. Seeing these girls grow and gain knowledge about mental health and taking care of themselves is just huge,” said Angela Drake, CEO of Fight Like a Ninja.

“Mental health is very important, because a person can be in difficulty and you always have to be there for them. This tournament is really important because it starts a conversation for someone struggling with mental health issues,” said Kallee Behm of Team Ninja.

Fight like a ninja also organizes the Shamrock Shakes for Brittany fundraiser which takes place every March.

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