Nashville Predators Foundation To Host “Weekend of Giving” From Sept. 9-11 With Four Community Events

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The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub is slated to host four upcoming community events including the Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and the Filip Forsberg Hockey Clinic presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee on Sept. 9, the First Horizon Petey’s Preds Party on Sept. 10 and the First Horizon Brent Peterson Golf Classic on Sept. 11.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Seventh Annual Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament will take place on Old Hickory Lake. The tournament will feature Professional anglers Mike McClelland and David Walker, Preds broadcaster Hal Gill and Preds players Yakov Trenin and Cole Smith.

  • WHAT: Photo, video and interview opportunities at the Seventh Annual Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament
  • WHO: Professional anglers Mike McClelland and David Walker, Preds broadcaster Hal Gill, Preds players Yakov Trenin and Cole Smith
  • WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Old Hickory Lake); Weigh-In: 1:30 – 3 p.m. (Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills)
  • WHERE: Old Hickory Lake in Nashville, Tennessee, with the launch from Shutes Branch Ramp and the weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills

The Filip Forsberg Hockey Clinic presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee will also take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. at Ford Ice Center Bellevue. The clinic will focus on skill stations and small area games in a fun environment designed specifically to help kids reach their full potential through the USA Hockey American Development Model. Predators forward Filip Forsberg will teach skills alongside qualified instructors from the Ford Ice Center hockey staff and Preds Amateur Hockey Development staff:

  • WHAT: Sixth Annual Filip Forsberg Hockey Clinic presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee
  • WHO: Preds forward Filip Forsberg will be available for interviews and video/photo opportunities
  • WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9; Registration and photos begin at 3:15 p.m.; Hockey Clinic will run from 4-7 p.m.
  • WHERE: Ford Ice Center Bellevue

On Sunday, Sept. 10, the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub will host the 12th Annual First Horizon Petey’s Preds Party at Bridgestone Arena from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The party, which accompanies the Brent Peterson Golf Classic, will feature a stand-up comedy show with Jon Reep, an extensive silent auction and dinner.

The following day, the 13th Annual First Horizon Brent Peterson Golf Classic will take place on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tenn. Nashville Predators players, executives and alumni as well as local celebrities will be paired with each foursome playing in the morning and afternoon flights. This tournament will feature several competitions, including the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contest.

Both events will benefit the Predators Foundation and the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s:

  • WHAT: Photo, video and interview opportunities at the 13th Annual First Horizon Brent Peterson Golf Classic
  • WHO: Nashville Predators players, executives, alumni, Preds mascot GNASH and local celebrities
  • WHEN: Monday, Sept. 11; Morning Flight – 7:30 a.m. Tee Time; Afternoon Flight – 1 p.m. Tee Time
  • WHERE: Vanderbilt Legends Club

Nashville Predators To Host Gold Star Showcase At F&M Bank Arena On Sept. 28

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The Nashville Predators will host the Gold Star Showcase, an intrasquad game between Predators players benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. CT.

“We are absolutely thrilled to host this game at F&M Bank Arena and to see Predators hockey in Clarksville Montgomery County,” F&M Bank Arena General Manager Kylie Wilkerson says. “This matchup will serve as part of an exciting kickoff to the upcoming NHL season, and we are honored to utilize the event to support our military community.”

Tickets for the Gold Star Showcase will go on sale on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. CT on Ticketmaster. Season Ticket Citizens will receive a presale and special discount code that will be available to them on Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. CT. Fans will also have the option to purchase premium tickets for the game, which will include an all-inclusive food and beverage package. Austin Peay State University students will have the opportunity to claim free tickets to the game in their designated student section, and select military personnel can also receive free tickets, with details to come.

The military-themed contest will recognize the facility’s close proximity to Fort Campbell and incorporate members of the military in the team’s game presentation. A portion of all ticket sales from the game will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers families of fallen Special Operations Personnel and service members awarded the Medal of Honor. To learn more about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, please visit specialops.org.

F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville opened on July 15, 2023, and is managed by SS&E. Ford Ice Center offers a variety of learn-to-skate programs at F&M Bank Arena, continuing its mission to expose and grow hockey to more Middle Tennessee residents.

Predators 2023-24 Single-Game Tickets To Go On Sale Aug. 17

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Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

The Nashville Predators announced today that single-game tickets for the 2023-24 season will go on sale Thursday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. CT on Ticketmaster. 

For the first 25 hours of the on-sale starting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17, fans can receive 25 percent off select seats for Preds home games in honor of the 25th Anniversary. Season Ticket Citizens will have exclusive presale access to Predators single game tickets for home games during the 2023-24 season and preseason through their MySmashvilleTix account beginning on Aug. 14. Single-game tickets will be available in multiple price levels but are subject to availability by game and price level.

Additionally, the Predators’ full slate of single-game ticket promotions have been released. All fans – including students, families and hometown heroes – will be able to take advantage of the Preds’ full slate of single-game ticket promotions offered by our proud partners during the upcoming season. The Preds’ Theme Night dates will be released in the coming weeks.

The upcoming season, which is highlighted by the Nashville Predators 25th Anniversary, will begin on the road in Tampa Bay on Oct. 10 with the home opener at Bridgestone Arena set for Oct. 12 against Seattle.

Special Offers & Promotions

Family 4-Pack presented by Primrose Schools & WSMV Channel 4

The Family 4-Pack includes four tickets, four pizzas, four small sodas and four Ford Ice Center skate passes starting as low as $199.

Preds Value Pack presented by News 2

The Preds Value Pack includes two tickets, two hot dogs and two small sodas starting as low as $69.

First Time Fan Pack presented by Assembly Food Hall

Fans can nominate themselves or someone they know who has never experienced a Nashville Predators home game for a chance to win a first game experience. Each winner will receive two tickets, a $20 Assembly Food Hall gift card and a Preds swag bag and first-game certificate.

$15 Day of Game Ticket by Twice Daily

The Predators and Twice Daily have partnered to make 100 tickets available for only $15 for each home contest at 10 a.m. CT the day of the game.

Hometown Heroes Discount presented by O’Charley’s and FOX17

All men and women who serve in our armed services or as first responders will receive up to 25 percent off the box office price when verified by GovX.

Preds Golden Ticket

Sign up for Preds Golden Ticket to receive exclusive last-minute ticket offers. Text “GOLDENTICKET” to 833-453-2488 to sign up now.

The Preds 2023-24 season will also feature five GOLD games that were introduced as a result of input from Predators Season Ticket Citizens to maintain the unrivaled Smashville atmosphere and keep Preds games GOLD. These five games are included in all season ticket plans and will only be made available to those who reside in the Nashville Predators television viewing area through ticket package purchases and future single game on sales. By restricting the sale of tickets for these games, it is guaranteed that Preds fans will receive the best opportunity to attend some of the biggest games in SMASHVILLE and create the best home-ice advantage in the NHL. Single-game tickets to all GOLD Games will be non-transferable and cannot be resold. The full list of GOLD games is available at NashvillePredators.com/GoldGames.

Nashville Predators To Host USA Hockey’s Blind Hockey Development Camp

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USA Blind Hockey Team. Photo: Courtesy of Noah Willman

The Nashville Predators, in connection with the Tennessee School for the Blind, will host USA Hockey’s Blind Hockey Development Camp Aug. 10-13 at Ford Ice Center Antioch.

“Team USA is very excited to start the 2023-2024 hockey season in Nashville with our training and development camp, and [to have] the opportunity to partner with the Predators,”says Michael Svac, USA Hockey Head Coach & General Manager. “Without the support of the Tennessee School for the Blind and the Predators organization, this would not be possible.  We are very appreciative of the city of Nashville for welcoming our team of athletes with a vision impairment to your community and we want to thank you for helping our players achieve their dream and the opportunity to represent our Country…The United States of America.”

People from across the country with varying visual impairments will head to Nashville in hopes of making the roster and joining Team USA to compete in international play throughout the season leading to the Paralympics. This will be the first time that the Nashville Predators have hosted the USA Hockey Blind Hockey Development Camp.

The Predators will also host an international series between Team USA and Team Canada Blind Hockey over the weekend of Oct. 13-15 at Ford Ice Center Antioch. Both teams will have closed practices on Thursday, Oct. 12 followed by games on Friday Oct. 13, Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday Oct. 15.

 Blind Hockey Facts:

  • The puck is made of 22-gauge steel and is 5.5 inches wide by 1 7/8 inches tall.
  • The puck is hollow with eight ball bearings to make noise.
  • The net is three feet tall and six feet wide.
  • Players may not wear white colored jerseys or socks as they do not contrast well against the boards or the ice.
  • Goalies are to wear a blindfold under their helmet to even the playing field.
  • Slap shots are not permitted during play.
  • Players may only stick tap in their offensive zone to allow for effective communication with their team.

Predators Name Michelle Kennedy President & Alternate Governor

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Michelle Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have named Michelle Kennedy President & Alternate Governor, effective immediately. She will also continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Predators, Bridgestone Arena and SS&E.

In her new role, Kennedy will lead the franchise’s day-to-day business operations, while collaborating with CEO Sean Henry on all major initiatives for the arena, SS&E, the team, partners, events and the lifeblood of the organization – its fans. Kennedy’s focus on the daily demands of the business will allow Henry to focus on the organization as a whole, while working with current Chairman Herb Fritch, incoming Chairman Bill Haslam and Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz on advancing Bridgestone Arena venue redevelopment plans and external growth opportunities for the organization.

“We are pleased to elevate Michelle to the positions of President and Alternate Governor today,” says Fritch. “Speaking for the ownership group, we have great confidence in Michelle’s ability to lead the day-to-day business operations of the organization – she has proven that to us in her 15-plus years with the Predators in her various roles. Additionally, I applaud Michelle for her tireless work ethic, her dedication to our employees and for her commitment to the Nashville community and our fans. She is going to be a great President for all of us.”

Kennedy started with the organization as an intern before joining the Predators in March of 2008 as the franchise’s first in-house counsel. Also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she took on the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer for the Predators and Powers Management in 2010 in addition to serving as General Counsel. In 2017, Kennedy was named the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. She also serves as Chair for the Predators Foundation, one of the leading nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of this organization for the last 15 years,” says Kennedy. “My earliest memories in this organization are of our ownership group acquiring a struggling franchise to prevent relocation; the progress we have made since then, becoming a core part of this community, an award-winning venue and a true hockey town, is extremely gratifying. With that said, I know that the best is yet to come, and that is what excites me the most.

“I am so appreciative of the trust that Sean and our owners have put in me over the years and for the confidence that this change in my role demonstrates. Sean has led our organization to a place of prominence in our industry, and I couldn’t be happier than I am to continue our work together. Tom Cigarran and Herb Fritch in their roles as past Chairman and current Chairman, have led an ownership group that has invested their time and resources to do what they set out to do in 2007… create something very special for this community; I’m proud and grateful to be a part of it.”

Kennedy, who earned undergraduate and law degrees from Vanderbilt University, began her career as an auditor at KPMG International, an advisory, audit and tax services company. She then worked for six years as Associate Director of Athletics for Vanderbilt, overseeing business operations, marketing and corporate sponsorship development. She joined the Predators after completing law school and earning a Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt in 2007.

“Michelle and I have been working side-by-side for several years and this promotion is very well deserved,” says Henry. “She is one of the most hard-working, talented business professionals in our industry and she has absolutely earned this opportunity. I, and every member of the organization, look forward to continuing to work with Michelle, with a collective focus on driving great experiences and engagement for our Season Ticket Citizens and each of our event guests. This is great news for Smashville!”

In addition to being named to the Sports Business Journal’s “Game Changers Class of 2018,” Kennedy was a finalist for the Nashville Business Journal’s CFO of the Year in 2015 and was featured in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine’s Top 10 Women in Business in 2016. Recently, she was named a Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence for 2023. In addition to chairing the Predators Foundation board, she currently serves on the boards of the Nashville Humane Society and the YWCA of Middle Tennessee.

Dionna Widder Named Chief Revenue Officer For Predators, Bridgestone Arena And SS&E

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Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have hired Dionna Widder as the Chief Revenue Officer for the Preds organization, Bridgestone Arena and Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment (SS&E).

In her role, Widder will oversee ticket sales and service; premium seating; suite sales and service; partnership sales and service; data analytics; and business intelligence.

She will also be a member of the club’s executive leadership team and contribute to the continued growth and development of SS&E, the organization’s external sales, marketing and operations entity that currently manages, among others, F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, the Ford Ice Centers and the sales and marketing functions for Austin Peay State University Athletics.

“We couldn’t be happier to add Dionna, a talented executive with an incredibly strong track record in revenue generation and retention, to our organization,” says Predators President and CEO Sean Henry. “As SMASHVILLE continues to grow – with its lifeblood being the best, most passionate fans in sports – Dionna’s background and expertise in working hand-in-hand with fans, corporate partners and business leaders will be invaluable to us. We look forward to seeing her innovation and influence push us even further towards our ONEGOAL of becoming ‘the No. 1 sports and entertainment venue in the United States with its centerpiece being the Stanley Cup champion Nashville Predators.'”

Widder joins the organization after serving as Chief Revenue Officer for Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Dash and Shell Energy Stadium for four seasons, where she was responsible for revenue generation, business strategy and execution for all three entities. During her time in Houston, she helped increase season-ticket memberships for both soccer teams by more than 25 percent; secured a commitment from Shell Energy to be the stadium naming rights partner; and led negotiations for the teams’ jersey sponsor partnerships. Widder’s successes were recognized by the Sports Business Journal as a member of its “Game Changers” class of 2020.

“I am grateful and excited to be joining the Preds family, gaining the opportunity to work with amazing team members, fans, partners and community leaders as we to continue to build a world-class franchise and create extraordinary experiences that only SMASHVILLE can deliver,” Widder says. “This organization’s achievements both on and off the ice have been remarkable in its first 25 years. I look forward to establishing innovative and sustainable business practices that will contribute to the continued legacy of the Predators.”

Before moving to Houston, Widder spent time with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers as Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service, helping lead the franchise to more than 250 consecutive home sellouts at Quicken Loans Arena. During Widder’s tenure, the Cavaliers earned the NBA’s Membership Platform of the Year in 2017-18 and she was named to Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 40-Under-40 list in 2017. She also spent two years in the NBA’s team marketing and business operations group as a director and got her start in professional sports with the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and Indiana Fever (WNBA).

A native of Flint, Mich., Widder graduated from Central Michigan University in 2006 and, as a passion project, hosts the “Women Blazers” podcast, which features conversations with women who are leading the way in the sports and entertainment industry.

Predators Hire Mark Borowiecki As Pro Development Coach

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Mark Borowiecki. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have hired Mark Borowiecki as a Pro Development Coach where he’ll work on the development of the organization’s young players in Milwaukee and Nashville.

He will be based in Ottawa and will travel to Nashville, Milwaukee and team camps throughout the season.

“Mark’s presence and positive impact on our entire franchise was felt from the moment he chose to sign with us back in October 2020, and we are more than happy to welcome him back to the Predators in this capacity,” says Preds GM Barry Trotz. “During his time with us as a player, Mark had all the respect in the world from his teammates and was a mentor and role model on and off the ice, especially to our younger prospects. We’re grateful that Mark and his family wanted to remain a part of our organization following his retirement.”

Borowiecki retired in May following a 458-game NHL career spent with Ottawa and Nashville from 2012-23. He played the final 83 contests of his career with the Predators from 2021-23. In 2021-22, Borowiecki skated in 57 games for Nashville, leading team blueliners in hits with 196 and finishing fifth among all Predators in blocked shots with 79.

Originally drafted by the Senators in the fifth round (139th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Borowiecki made his League debut during the 2011-12 campaign and went on to record 51 points (15 goals-36 assists) in 375 games with Ottawa. He suited up in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games during his career, and his 1,760 hits from 2014-23 were the 10th-most among NHL players in that time span.

Barry Trotz Spends First Weekend As GM Signing Six Players

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Barry Trotz. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators new General Manager Barry Trotz spent his first weekend as GM signing six players in free agency.

On July 1, the first day of NHL free agency, Trotz signed Ryan O’Reilly, Cody Glass, Anthony Angello, Troy Grosenick, Gustav Nyquist and Luke Schenn.

These major moves come as the Preds finished hosting the 2023 NHL Draft as well as trading Ryan Johansen and buying out Matt Duchene‘s contract.

“The harsh reality is that we moved two very good players out,” Trotz said in a press conference. “Both of them have been high contributors to the Preds organization, not only on the ice, but off the ice… They’re good, good, good people,” he added. “In the change that we did make, we wanted to fill [the void] with more good people.”

Probably the most notably move Trotz made was signing for St. Louis Blue and Stanley Cup Champion O’Reilly to a four-year, $18 million contract.

“Ryan O’Reilly’s a serial winner, a Stanley Cup Champion, a Selke winner,” Trotz said. “He’s been MVP in the playoffs. I’ve worked with Ryan at international events like the World Cup of Hockey. He’s been on Olympic teams. He reminds me of a Joe Pavelski-type of guy that continues to produce. People follow him, and everybody around him is better. And for our young guys and our culture, that was a critical piece for us.”

Throughout his 14-year NHL career, he’s won the Selke Trophy (2019), Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (2014) and been named to the NHL All-Star Game. This past season, the 6’1, 207-pound center recorded 30 points (16 goals-14 assists) in 53 games with St. Louis and Toronto and added nine points (three goals-six assists) in 11 postseason appearances, helping lead the Maple Leafs to a first-round victory over Tampa Bay.

O’Reilly had 10 points (12 goals-seven assists) in 40 games to begin the campaign before a trade to Toronto ended his five-year tenure with St. Louis; following the acquisition, he produced at nearly a point-per-game rate, owning four goals and seven assists in 13 regular-season appearances for the Maple Leafs.

Schenn was also a large move for the Preds to add some big and solid defense. He signed with Nashville for three-years, and $8.25 million.

He is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020-2021) and finished the 2022-2023 season skating for the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording one goal, 60 hits and 13:18 of average ice time in 15 appearances. Prior to being acquired by Toronto at the trade deadline, the 6’2, 225-pound blueliner closed out a two-season stint with Vancouver, where he had 21 points with 18 assists in 55 games for the Canucks in 2022-2023. Schenn suited up in 11 postseason games for the Maple Leafs, helping lead them to a first-round victory over the Lightning while tallying one assist, 54 hits and 17 blocked shots.

“We have one of the greatest defensemen in the National Hockey League right now in Roman Josi,” Trotz said. “I don’t like sometimes when Roman takes some big hits. Luke will make sure that those big hits won’t be coming too often.”

Nashville signed Nyquist to two-year, $6.37 million contract. He recorded 27 points (11 goals-16 assists) in 51 games split between Columbus and Minnesota in 2022-2023, then added five assists in six postseason games for the Wild. A veteran of 703 NHL games with Detroit, San Jose, Columbus and Minnesota, the Halmstad, Sweden native has amassed 428 points (175 goals-253 assists) a career-high 28 goals in 2013-2014 and 54 points (27 goals-27 assists) in 2014-2015, both with the Red Wings.

Prior to becoming a full-time NHL player, the 5’11, 176-pounder spent parts of four seasons with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, being named to the to two AHL All-Star Games, the 2012 AHL All-Rookie Team and the 2013 First All-Star Team while winning the 2013 Calder Cup.

Trotz signed longtime Preds prospect Glass to two-year, five million dollar contract. He spent his first full season at the NHL level in 2022-2023, amassing 35 points (14 goals-21 assists) in 72 games with the Predators, all career highs. After opening the season with three points  in his first 16 appearances, he recorded 32 points (13 goals-19 assists) in his final 56 games, the fourth-most points on the Predators in that time span.

Glass was also second on the Predators in power-play goals with six, a career high. Following the NHL campaign, the Winnipeg, Manitoba, native joined Canada at the 2023 World Championship, where he posted four assists in 10 games en route to the Gold medal. In his first season with the Nashville organization in 2021-2022, Glass led the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals in points with 62 (14 goals-48 assists and 66 games played).

The Predators signed both Angello and Grosenick to a two-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. Angello  spent the final 17 games of his 2022-2023 regular season with Milwaukee (AHL) after being acquired from St. Louis in March, posting seven goals and 12 points. He went on to record three points in 16 Calder Cup Playoff games, helping the Admirals reach the Western Conference Final.

Grosenick appeared in six games during the 2022-2023 season with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, going 3-2-0 with a 3.32 goals-against average. The 6’1, 181-pound goaltender returns to the Predators organization after spending parts of three seasons with Milwaukee from 2017-2020, posting a 47-27-9 record in 86 games. In 2019-2020, Grosenick finished sixth in the AHL in wins (20), eighth in save percentage (.920) and ninth in goals-against average (2.29) as he and Connor Ingram won the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award, given to the goaltenders on the team with the fewest goals-against per game during the regular season, helping lead Milwaukee to the league’s best record.