On July 30, the fourth annual Shoulder Check Showcase will take place at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena, gathering more than two dozen NHL players for a charity hockey game that spotlights mental health and human connection.
A tribute in ice
The event was founded by Rob Thorsen to honor his son Hayden Thorsen, who passed away in May 2022, and to encourage people to reach out, check in, and make contact with those around them.
Domenick Fensore, who signed with the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent on July 1, 2026, brings his collegiate accolades — including Hockey East First Team All‑Star honors and a Hobey Baker Award nomination from his time at Boston University — to the lineup.
The showcase will feature a roster of notable players such as Trevor Zegras, Chris Kreider, Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Leonard and J.T. Miller, each lending their platform to the cause of mental‑health advocacy.
Pregame festivities are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern, with puck drop set for 6:30 p.m., and the arena’s capacity of roughly 4,000 fans promises an intimate yet electric atmosphere.