Lovell Academy Takes Mental Health to Heart with Shoulder Check

This week, our entire Lovell Academy community came together for a powerful and inspiring mental health initiative called SHOULDER CHECK. Shoulder Check is about mental health action and building real connections every day.

 

The core message is “Reach Out. Check In. Make Contact.”

It’s a reminder that, even when we don’t know who might be struggling, we all have a hand to give. A kind word, a friendly text, a genuine check‑in are small actions can create meaningful connection and support.

 

At its heart, Shoulder Check comes from the idea that kindness can be a contact sport. It teaches that supporting someone doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as letting them know you’re there for them. Whether in a locker room, a hallway, or at home, a small moment of connection can make a big difference.

 

The life of a student‑athlete can be busy, demanding, and full of pressure — balancing academics, athletics, family, social life, and future goals is a lot for anyone. Sometimes, the emotional weight of these challenges shows up quietly. Shoulder Check gives us language and tools to break through the silence and remind each player that they’re not alone.

It helps teams normalize conversations about how student-athletes feel, not just how they perform, build empathy and emotional awareness within the group, and encourage students to support each other off the ice.

 

All seven Lovell Academy team gathered to listen, reflect, and discuss the Shoulder Check message together. They asked meaningful questions like:

• “How can we bring this message into our locker rooms?”

• “What does checking in really look like for our team?”

• “How can we make this part of our daily culture?”

 

Each team then worked together to decide how to implement Shoulder Check within their group and across the Lovell community. Some teams created regular check‑in routines, while others set up buddy systems, and many pledged to make support and connection a priority in every practice and game.

 

Shoulder Check isn’t just happening at Lovell Academy. It’s a movement spreading across hockey and beyond. Teams from small towns to the NHL are embracing this message and finding ways to bring connection and kindness into everyday interactions. From signing the iconic blue shoulder to hosting Shoulder Check events and using the initiative to start conversations about mental wellness, the movement is taking off.

 

At Lovell Academy, we’re proud to be part of that movement. This initiative reminded us that taking care of each other is as important as taking care of our skills, our goals, and our performance. When we reach out, check in, and make contact, we build a stronger, more compassionate community.