Shoulder Check Showcase charity hockey game draws NHL players to Sacred Heart University

The fourth annual Shoulder Check Showcase, a charity hockey game supporting the HT40 Foundation’s mental‑health mission, will be held on July 30 at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena in Connecticut. The event includes a pre‑game party at 4 p.m. EST with puck drop scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and aims to raise funds in honor of the late Hayden Thorsen.

NHL participants include Washington Capitals winger Ryan Leonard, who returns after scoring for Team Prentiss last year, as well as fellow Capitals Gabe Perreault, New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo, and other players such as Trevor Zegras, Chris Kreider and Matt Rempe. The showcase, founded by Rob Thorsen, emphasizes human connection and seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental health.