The Shoulder Check Movement: Changing Mental Health in Youth Hockey with Rob Thorsen

🔥 What if the most important thing in youth hockey isn’t winning… but noticing when someone isn’t okay?In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Rob Thorsen, founder of the Shoulder Check Foundation and HT40 Foundation, to talk about how one simple idea — checking in on each other — can change lives.After the heartbreaking loss of his son Hayden, Rob turned pain into purpose, creating a movement that’s transforming locker rooms, teams, and communities across hockey and beyond. From youth teams to NHL players, the message is spreading: you are not alone — because I’m right here beside you.This conversation goes far beyond hockey. It’s about parenting, coaching, mental health, team culture, and the small actions that make a massive difference.💡 In This Episode, We Cover:The story behind the Shoulder Check movement ❤️Why peer-to-peer support is the most powerful tool we haveHow youth sports culture impacts mental healthWhat parents should (and shouldn’t) say after games 🚗Simple ways coaches can build empathy into team cultureWhy “checking in” can literally save livesHow teams across the country are bringing this to life🧠 Key Takeaway:You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference.You just need to show up, ask, and care.🏒 Resources & How to Get Involved:Visit: shouldercheck.orgBring the program to your team, school, or communityStart with one simple action: reach out, check in, make contact💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a coach, parent, or teammate. These conversations matter.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How the Shoulder Check Movement Is Changing Youth Hockey Culture#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #MentalHealthInSports #ShoulderCheck #HockeyParents #TeamCulture #BeKind #CheckInClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okphHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube