Why are we still on Spotify? Spotify sits atop the global charts today in terms of its monthly active userbase, servicing 640 million listeners as of January while eclipsing notables like YouTube Music, Soundcloud, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Pandora. Still, when its grave falterings are spelled out, their obviousness makes the app’s continued success increasingly confusing, if not borderline baffling.

Award ceremonies like the Grammys are inadequately recognizing artists and their work. The Recording Academy, who present the Grammys, has faced scrutiny and lawsuits over the years for using an anonymous voting committee to decide nominations and winners. Social media and digital streaming services uplift artists and give the opportunity for smaller artists, who used to rely intensely on record labels and the academy, to make a name for themselves.

TikTok’s impact on musicians is old news, drawing ire from some while drastically benefiting others. Although differences in disposable resources mean the playing field is never entirely even, the ease of posting and subsequent discovery serve as a force of semi-democratization regarding musical outreach — if you manage to score arbitrary algorithmic success, that is. 

Step behind the scenes of the 2025 Shoulder Check Hockey Showcase, where the game meets a greater purpose. From big plays to quiet impact, these snapshots tell the story of how hockey is helping change the conversation around mental health. Relive the action below.