Nighthawks Gear Up For Busyhead Night

By Thaddeus Sawyer

Though Friday’s contest between the Upper Valley Nighthawks (20-16-1) and Sanford Mainers (24-13) could have massive implications on the top of the North Division standings depending on how the next week shakes out, something even more special will be taking place at the Maxfield Sports Complex before and during the game.

Busyhead Night, a collaboration with The Busyhead Project, will take over the Nest as the Nighthawks host the first Busyhead Project event to take place in the Upper Valley.

“I think the biggest thing is highlighting how important Vermont is to Noah [Kahan], and in turn how much he cares about mental health and giving back to the people in Vermont who need access to resources,” Nighthawks Vice President Matt Wright said. “Thats why we are doing this. Its about the mission, not the names attached to it or a cool uniform.”

Wright added that Kahan told him that it's his life’s mission to make sure everyone in Vermont has access to affordable or free mental healthcare.

The Nighthawks’ collaboration with The Busyhead Project, a nonprofit mental health initiative founded by Kahan aimed at providing the resources and information needed to end stigma and barriers around mental health, began with the introduction of the “Greener Mind” uniforms this season. Wright said that the planning for those jerseys started almost a year ago.

Designed by Wright and former Assistant Director of Creative Content Blake Blechner in collaboration with The Busyhead Project and OT Sports, the yellow Upper Valley and Vermont-inspired jerseys have been worn on the field throughout the season by the Nighthawks. 

Those same jerseys will be auctioned off as part of a silent auction during the game, with bids on all jerseys beginning at $50. Many of the jerseys are signed by the players who wore them. Bidding will close at the end of the seventh inning.

The team will also raffle off a glass tree donated by Simon Pearce. Proceeds for both will go to the Busyhead Project.

The Busyhead Project will also have their Community Wall, where fans can share positive messages and answer prompts on pieces of paper hung on the wall.

In addition to concessions, multiple food trucks, including Mac’s Maple, will be in attendance.

First pitch for the contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. The contest will stream live on ESPN+.