Summer hockey games are a popular way for players to get together and train. However, some events take a higher purpose. Run by Ben Thorsen, Thursday’s annual Shoulder Check Showcase charity game at Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford, CT combines fun with a greater cause. Moreover, multiple New York Rangers and ex-Rangers participate.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE SHOULDER CHECK
As Peter Baugh noted in his column in the Athletic: “The idea for the game arose in the wake of a personal tragedy. In May 2022, Hayden Thorsen, son of Thorsen and his wife, Sarah Thompson, died by suicide at age 16. Soon after the couple launched the HT40 Foundation, using Hayden’s initials and hockey number for the name. He was a goalie, known for his warm personality, and trained at Prentiss’ gym, where one of his jerseys now hangs near the entrance alongside those of NHL players.
In addition to the registered nonprofit, the couple started The Shoulder Check, an initiative aimed at raising mental health awareness and encouraging people to reach out to and check in on each other. Prentiss immediately offered his support, as did several professional players at his gym and others in the local hockey community, including Trevor Zegras and his father, Gary, who is the foundation’s secretary. A year or so later, in summer 2023, the puck dropped on the inaugural Shoulder Check Showcase at the 2,000-seat Terry Conners, with Zegras and Chris Kreider headlining the lineups.
The event has grown from year to year. Thursday’s “game” will feature more than 20 NHLers for the first time. Before the game, everyone in attendance — from players on the ice to fans in the stands — is asked to place a hand on the shoulder of someone next to them. Then they make a pledge: “I promise to reach out, check in and make contact,” Making contact with the hand on the shoulder is a nod to Hayden as he was the teammate who had his hand on your shoulder and friend that checked in others. Peer-to-peer outreach and a focus on mental health is the goal of the organization, capped annually by the game.
RANGERS TIES
Several Rangers and ex-Rangers are among the Shoulder Check participants. Jonathan Quick is the coach of Team Quick, while Adam Fox, Matt Rempe and Brett Berard will be playing. .Ex-Blueshirts Kreider, Frank Vatrano, Kevin Hayes, Kevin Shattenkirk and Marty St. Louis (a coach on Team Quick) will also be there. Mollie Walker’s X post has a link to the organization if you want tickets or to find out more information.
The cause is more than worthwhile. If you can’t attend, make a donation or purchase. If anyone you know is in need of assistance, make sure you reach out with a hand on their shoulder.
