Shoulder Check Showcase: Uniting for Mental Health Awareness with 'Lean on Me
Join us in coming together with players, coaches, and supporters in a heartfelt rendition of 'Lean on Me' to show our solidarity for mental health awareness. The Shoulder Check initiative, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, released a touching short film featuring NHL players and youth hockey participants singing 'Lean on Me' in honor of World Mental Health Day.
The video features Anaheim Ducks forward Chris Kreider, former New York Rangers players Matt Rempe, Jonathan Quick, and Adam Fox, as well as other NHL stars like Trevor Zegras, Spencer Knight, Shayne Gostisbehere, and retired defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. The film was shot before the third annual Shoulder Check Showcase at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Connecticut, on July 24, bringing together athletes and supporters to raise awareness for mental health.
The event supports the HT40 Foundation, established in memory of Hayden Thorsen, a young hockey player from Darien, Connecticut, who tragically passed away by suicide in May 2022. The event's core message is to encourage everyone to 'Reach Out. Check in. Make Contact.' The heartfelt anthem film captures the vulnerability and unity of the participants, showcasing their willingness to come together and support each other.
The Shoulder Check initiative, founded by Rob Thorsen, Hayden's father, aims to create a safe space for open conversations about mental health. The athletes and supporters who participated in the film demonstrated courage and compassion by lending their voices to the cause. The powerful message of unity and support shines through in the final film, highlighting the importance of coming together to address mental health challenges.
A special moment at the third Shoulder Check Showcase featured operatic baritone John Brancy, known for performing the national anthem at New York Rangers games, leading the audience in a moving rendition of 'Lean on Me.' This iconic song by Bill Withers has become the new anthem of the Shoulder Check initiative, symbolizing a shift towards greater openness and comfort in discussing mental health.
Join us in embracing this paradigm shift and fostering a culture of support and understanding. Together, we can make a difference in raising awareness for mental health and creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Let's stand together and lean on each other for strength and solidarity in the journey towards mental wellness.