RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesNew Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce will compete alongside a number of other 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.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DEVILS YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW: IT’S FREE!
The HT40 Foundation was established in memory of Hayden Thorsen, a 16-year-old hockey player who died by suicide in May 2022. Following the tragedy, Hayden’s father, Rob Thorsen, made it his mission to spread the message of checking in on friends, family members and teammates who may be struggling.
“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. Ben Prentiss, who’s my trainer, and his wife, Ashley, teamed up with Hayden’s parents and a group of individuals to start a charity game in his honor to support mental health and mental awareness.
MORE BY ANTHONY CORONA
Why Anthony Mantha has a chip on his shoulder with Devils Jul. 18, 2026, 8:26 a.m.
Devils’ Sunny Mehta’s first 90 days on the job — and what’s ahead over next 60 Jul. 16, 2026, 9:22 a.m.
“It started off small, but it’s crazy how much it’s grown over the past three or four years. 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. It’s amazing to see the impact and the growth that this fun game has provided.”
Pesce will be joined by Trevor Zegras, Cutter Gauthier, Matty Beniers, Will Smith, Pavel Dorofeyev and Chris Kreider among others.
“It’s all about putting hands on people’s shoulders. Reaching out, checking in and making contact with one another,” 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. This program is out there, encouraging people to check in on one another.”
Read the original article on NJ.com . Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.