The Shoulder Check Showcase is more than just an offseason exhibition game for the more than 20 NHL players who participated – it’s a powerful statement in support of mental health awareness.
Held on July 24 in Stamford, Connecticut, the third annual event brought together nearly two dozen NHL players from across the league. The showcase promotes the pledge: “Reach Out. Check In. Make Contact.”
First held in 2023, SCS is held in honour of Hayden Thorsen, a Connecticut-based youth hockey player who died by suicide in 2022.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight took part in the game, played at Terry Conners Rink.
“This was an event that was important to me to support because Hayden is from my hometown and grew up with many people that I know,” said Knight. “Supporting one another in a community is important to me and to raise awareness that you are not alone is something we can do through this.”
Former players also jumped in on the action, including current NHLPA divisional player representative, Kevin Shattenkirk.
Shattenkirk had high praise for those who participated.
"I think it is a testament to the younger players in the league and to everyone who showed up to this event,” said Shattenkirk.
“There are so many ups and downs throughout the season and there are times when you might be struggling with your mental health, so when you have events like this, it enables you to see that there are people willing to help you. I think that is the most important message – that you can have an impact on someone you care about, seeing that they might be struggling, and just by asking them how they are doing and listening to them, can go a long way.”
He added that the players, especially newcomers to the event, are often pleasantly surprised by the level of support and turnout.
"A lot of guys who come to this event – especially the ones who have never been before – are taken aback by how many people are there,” continued Shattenkirk. “Right there, it shows them this is something special, that people behind this deeply care."
New York Rangers defenceman and alternate captain Adam Fox shared a similar sentiment.
“A couple of the guys who I have worked out and skated with over the summers asked me to play in the game a few years back,” said Fox. “I thought it was an awesome event for a great cause, and I was excited to play in it.”
“It’s been awesome to see how much the event has grown over the years and how many NHL players are willing to take time out of their summer to play in the event. It speaks to the hockey community and how connected everyone is and willing to support each other.”
The event also helps support the HT40 Foundation – founded in 2023 by Hayden’s dad, Rob, in honour of his son.
Thorsen’s legacy continues through the foundation, a cause that supports mental health education and outreach, especially for young athletes. As stated on the foundation’s website, its goal “is to encourage young men and women to simply be there for their peers, reinforcing social connections and leaving no one out, through our own initiatives and by supporting like-minded organizations working to make a similar impact.”
Mental health continues to be a vital topic for players across the NHL.
“I think it is important to support this event because it’s a great cause supporting something that every single person deals or has dealt with,” said Fox. “Mental health is very important and being able to check in with people is something that people might not think to do enough.”
Shattenkirk noted a broader cultural shift as well.
"As the landscape of mental health has changed, you have started to see the younger generation find help, reach out and understand how they can make an impact, not only for their friends, but also for themselves,” said Shattenkirk. “You see that every day now – people working on themselves and seeking help.”
Knight, along with the players who came out to support this year’s event, is hopeful events like the Shoulder Check Showcase can help make a difference in mental health awareness in hockey and beyond.
Teamwork, he noted, plays a big part in getting the message out.
“The biggest takeaway from the event is how big a community there is that is willing to support the cause,” said Knight. “Everyone really cares and wants to support each other whenever they can.
“It’s great to see all the support from other players. It shows how thoughtful people are in this league.”
