Shoulder Check Showcase Returns | New York Rangers News

**Corey** (0:00)
It's July 28th, from the locker room to your ears. This is New York Rangers News Today, powered by AI.
I'm Corey with the story.
The shoulder check showcase is back for its fourth year on July 30th, and it's all about mental health and connecting with each other. This isn't just some small local thing. The National Hockey League is really stepping up with a bunch of New York Rangers players already confirmed to hit the ice. We're talking about guys like Adam Fox, Matt Rempe, and even former legend Chris Kreider, all lending their support. This year's event is happening at Sacred Heart University's Martire Family Arena. The pregame party kicks off at 4 PM Eastern, and then the puck drops for the game itself at 6:30 PM. The whole idea behind the showcase is pretty straightforward. Reach out, check in, and make contact. It's a simple message, but it carries a lot of weight. The whole initiative started with Rob Thorsen, who founded the HT40 Foundation after his son Hayden passed away in May of 2022 Hayden used to play for the Junior Rangers, and since then, many NHL players have joined in to help spread the word and keep Hayden's message alive.
It's a powerful way to honor his memory and make a real difference. According to officials, this year's showcase is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. They're expecting over 25 NHL players to participate, and it's the first time it's being held at the Martire Family Arena, which has a capacity of about 4,000. The gates open at 6 p.m. following those earlier festivities.
It's a reminder that even though we might not always know who's struggling, we all have the ability to reach out and offer support. Sometimes just a simple gesture, like a hand on someone's shoulder, can open the door for a much-needed conversation and let people know they aren't. Alone.