Four years ago, we had a simple idea. Make a T-shirt. Sell it. Donate the proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Mental health has always been important to us. Like a lot of people, we’ve seen friends, family members, teammates, and coworkers go through hard seasons. We know that sometimes the strongest people are carrying the heaviest things quietly.
What started as one shirt became something we continued year after year. Not because it was a campaign, but because it mattered. This year, that idea became something bigger.
On May 20th, we officially partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as part of their Bold & Brave event series and hosted our first-ever event at the Violent Gentlemen warehouse in Costa Mesa.
The night brought together friends, colleagues, teammates, and people from all different walks of life for one reason: to remind each other that nobody is supposed to go through life alone.
There were conversations that mattered. Stories shared openly. Hugs between old friends. New friendships formed. And a real reminder that checking in on people can make a bigger impact than we realize.
“Check On Your Teammates” has always been about more than a slogan to us. It’s about building a culture where people feel seen, supported, and comfortable speaking honestly when things aren’t okay.
We also want to give a special thank you to Ruth Darling Heyd and Carolyn Hendrickson from the AFSP for believing in this message and helping bring this event to life. Their support, passion, and commitment to mental health awareness helped make the night truly meaningful.
Hockey teaches you to look out for the person next to you. Life should be no different.
We’re incredibly thankful to the AFSP, everyone who attended, everyone who supported the project over the years, and everyone who continues to spread the message. Looking out for one another can save lives.
Keep checking on your teammates.
- Brian
