By Tray LaMay’25
The Frederick Gunn School Boys Varsity Hockey played their first annual Shoulder Check Foundation game on January 18th, 2024. The boys played great against The Taft School, winning a 6-4 thriller. But the game had a much bigger meaning. The game was dedicated to the Shoulder Check Foundation, which is a foundation based on suicide prevention. It was created in honor of Hayden Thorsen. Hayden sadly took his own life in May of 2022. It is a symbol of his life and the prevention of suicide in young kids. Even though the foundation is built on hockey, it is much more than just hockey. Their mission statement talks about being a better person on and off the ice. They believe that just a little kindness goes a long way.
The Shoulder Check Foundation has caught fire throughout the Hockey community. The Foundation’s mission is to spread awareness and kindness. One of their sayings is, “Supporting one another through small acts has a big impact.” They believe that the smallest bit of kindness goes a long way and that it could help save lives. They say this because you never know what people are going through, and small acts of kindness could have a more significant meaning.
Hayden’s parents, Rob Thorsen and Sarah Thompson are proud of the organization, which has helped them honor his life. Mr. Prentiss, the owner of the gym that Thorsen trained in, signed on as a board member; so did Gary Zegras, who helps run the Mid-Fairfield youth hockey program where Hayden played. Sponsors helped fund a game in honor at Madison Square Garden. Rob Thorsen said he’s been contacted by people around North America, seeking to spread The Shoulder Check’s simple message: Reach out. Check in. Make contact. He believes this is a way to make the conversation about mental health more casual. If you can make the talk easier, finding ways to help others is easier. The foundation held a game with some of the biggest stars in hockey to help spread the cause. It was held in Stamford, Connecticut, and was a huge hit. Some of the headliners were Ducks player Trevor Zegras, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, and Emma Vlasic. Trevor Zegras had this to say about the event: “I was all for it when I heard about the idea and something I was pretty passionate about,” Trevor Zegras said. “It’s a great motto to check in with your friends because you never really know what’s happening with them.”
The Highlander Sports network also talked with Jake Pellicane, a friend of Hayden’s, to talk about what this cause means for him, being able to bring this game to Gunn and help spread the word of this great cause. “It meant the world to me to be able to make this game happen in honor of one of my best friends. An amazing group of people runs this foundation for an amazing cause, so I am eager to do anything I can to spread awareness.” It is indeed a great cause and a wonderful message.
