Brett Pesce will join 25 NHL stars in the Shoulder Check Showcase charity game on July 30 at Martire Family Arena on the campus of Sacred Heart University.
The event benefits the HT40 Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness and social connection. The foundation was established in memory of Hayden Thorsen, a 16-year-old hockey player who died by suicide in May 2022.
Pesce credits a charity game in his trainer's gym as the starting point for the Shoulder Check Showcase. "It started out in my gym actually," Pesce said. "A young hockey player passed away unexpectedly due to mental health issues, and it really took a toll on the whole gym."
The charity game has grown significantly over the years, moving from a small rink to a full-blown arena. Pesce noted, "We used to play at a small little rink, and now we're playing in a full-blown arena. We're getting more and more NHL guys to come and play every year."
The event aims to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of checking in on friends, family members, and teammates who may be struggling. As Hayden Thorsen's father, Rob Thorsen, put it, "It's all about putting hands on people's shoulders. Reaching out, checking in and making contact with one another."
Pesce will be joined by other NHL stars, including Trevor Zegras, Cutter Gauthier, Matty Beniers, Will Smith, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Chris Kreider. The charity game is set to take place on July 30 at Martire Family Arena.
The HT40 Foundation's mission is to spread the message of checking in on friends and family members who may be struggling. As Thorsen said, "The shortest way to say it is, we might not always know who needs a hand, but we all have a hand to give."
The Shoulder Check Showcase charity game is an initiative to support mental health awareness and social connection. With the event set to take place on July 30, fans can expect a unique and impactful experience.
Source: Yahoo Sports