Predators Foundation Awards Diller Education Scholarship To Local Students

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The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub awarded four students its annual Diller Education Scholarship which began in 2006.

The award, named after the first president of the Predators, focuses on college-bound seniors attending a Nashville or Middle Tennessee area high school. Candidates must display leadership qualities in the classroom and/or inspirational qualities on the athletic field in the sport of their choice, while also maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from their sophomore to senior year of high school. Additionally, the applicants must demonstrate the value of education, good work ethic, and community outreach.

This year’ winners, Kate Castle, Jesa Moore, Elizabeth Swartz and Ricardo Zaragoza Martinez, will receive $2,500 to help assist with their higher education at the collegiate level.

Castle, a senior at Wilson Central High School, has played golf for nearly eight years winning many trophies and achievements throughout her career. She will be attending Milligan University in the fall of 2021 where she will be majoring in social work and playing on the women’s golf team.

Moore graduated this year from Community High School in Unionville, playing basketball and volleyball while also being part of many leadership organizations. She lists her favorite aspect of the Predators organization as the Bridgestone Arena atmosphere and being with all the fans and having fun.

Swartz attended Hillwood High School in Nashville and has been dancing since she can remember, devoting her time to tap, jazz, ballet and modern styles of dance. In the fall, she will be attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., majoring in social entrepreneurship where she intends to pursue a career that will give back to her community.

Martinez graduated from Gallatin High School and played soccer, ran track, snowboarded, and participated in rock climbing. He will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the fall where he plans to double major in marketing and engineering.

Pekka Rinne Named King Clancy Memorial Trophy Winner

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Pekka Rinne. Photo: by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Pekka Rinne has been named the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner for his charity work with pediatric cancer, Best Buddies, Parkinson’s disease awareness, and COVID relief.

Rinne was chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. This is Rinne’s first King Clancy Memorial Trophy throughout his 15 year career. Rinne was nominated alongside former teammate P.K. Subban and Kurtis Gabriel.

“After spending 15 years with the same organization and in the same city, and with the opportunities I’ve had through local charities in my community–this is very special to me,” Rinne says. “At the same time, I was to congratulate P.K. and Kurtis on their nomination and for everything they do for their communities. I want to thank the Predators and the Predators Foundation for letting us players get involved and help in our community. I also want to recognize Shea Weber, who helped start the 365 Fund with me. This award means a lot to me and my family, and it’s a huge honor.”

The NHL made a $25,000 donation on Rinne’s behalf to benefit the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, a total that the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub will match. In honor of Rinne’s award and the commitment he’s shown to the city, the Preds are inviting fans to consider also making a donation to the 365 Fund on his behalf. Fans can help the Predators Foundation reach its goal of $36,500 in donations on gofundme.com.

“I view the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as a lifetime achievement award of sorts, and Pekka winning this year is totally reflective of what he has done on the ice, but equally, if not more importantly, what he’s done off the ice in our community,” says Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager David Poile. “For years, and for good reason, Pekka has been the face of our franchise and our most popular player. This is shown by the countless hours he’s spent working to make our community a better place and the sacrifices he’s made to make the lives of everyone around him better. Pekka is completely deserving of this honor, and our organization couldn’t be happier for him.”

The majority of Rinne’s charity work in the Nashville community has come through the 365 Fund, which he launched alongside Weber during the 2012-13 season. The fund works with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Additionally, the 365 Fund has a suite at Bridgestone Arena, fully funded by Rinne, which accommodates 16 special guests and family members from the children’s hospital for Predators home games throughout the season. Since the establishment of the fund, donations totaling more than $3 million have been made to the hospital and its programs.

“Everything Pekka does comes from the heart,” says Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King. “Bringing joy to others is what he is perhaps most passionate about. He is the most humble and kind-hearted person you will ever meet, and his connection with everyone he comes across is so incredibly genuine. We are so fortunate to have him in our community, and his work with the 365 Fund–in the past, now and in the future–will forever be part of his legacy.”

Pekka Rinne Named Finalist For King Clancy Memorial Trophy

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Pekka Rinne. Photo: by John Russell/Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has been named a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the third consecutive year. Rinne is no stranger to accolades, as he is currently Nashville’s franchise leader in wins and shutouts, a four-time NHL All-Star, and the 2018 Vezina Trophy winner.

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is not given for performance on the ice. but for “the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” Rinne has been the face of the Preds for almost a decade, leading the team to a Stanley Cup Final and helping Nashville win the President’s Trophy in 2018. However, he has also done much off the ice to give back to his community.

Most notably, alongside former captain Shea Weber, Rinne formed the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund, presented by Twice Daily, which raises money and awareness for childhood cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Additionally, Rinne’s commitment to Make-A-Wish, the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s, and a number of initiatives throughout the coronavirus pandemic has brought joy and hope to people young and old throughout the community.

A selection committee, led by senior NHL executives, Commissioner Gary Bettman, and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly have determined the finalists. The winner will possess the following qualities: a clear and measurable positive impact on the community, investment of time and resources, a commitment to a particular cause or community, commitment to the League’s community initiatives, creativity of programming, use of influence, and engagement of others.

The first-place finisher will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice, while the two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation.

Predators Sign Juuso Parssinen To Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract

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Juuso Parssinen. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have signed 2019 seventh-round pick Juuso Parssinen to a three-year entry-level contract.

The 20-year-old forward has just completed his second full season in the Finnish Liiga with Turun Palloseura (TPS) helping lead the team to the Liiga Final.

The young hockey player began the season as a 19-year-old, serving as an alternate captain for TPS and went on to skate in a career-high 55 games, posting 42 points (8 goals/34 assists), the second-most on his team.

Among all Liiga skaters, the 6-foot-3, 198-pound center was fifth in assists (34) and tied for 11th in points; he topped all U-21 players in the league in points and assists and was tied for eighth in goals (8). During his team’s 13-game run to the Liiga Final, Parssinen’s seven assists and eight points tied for second and tied for fourth, respectively, out of all skaters.

The Hämeenlinna, Finland, native also represented his country in the 2021 World Junior Championship in Edmonton, where he took home a bronze medal. He finished the tournament with four points (2g-2a), tied for the fifth-most among all Finnish skaters.

Originally drafted by the Predators in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Parssinen has skated in 93 career Liiga games since making his pro debut in 2018-19, posting 55 points (14 goals/41 assists). He’s spent his entire hockey career within the TPS system and played three seasons with its U-20 side from 2017-20, serving as an assistant captain twice.

In addition to skating on Finland’s 2021 World Juniors team, Parssinen competed in the 2019 U-18 World Championship and the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He also competed in the 2019 Spengler Cup with TPS.

Preds Party In The Park Planned For Game 6 At Music City Walk Of Fame Park

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Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. is hosting a watch party on Thursday, May 27 at the Music City Walk of Fame Park for the Nashville Predators Game 6 match against the Carolina Hurricane.

The Preds Party In The Park event is free and open to the public. A large video screen will show the game feed and food options will be available on site, including Daddy’s Dogs, The Tennessee Cobbler Co., Kona Ice Music City and Roscoe’s Bar-B-Que. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and chairs and asked to adhere to the event house rules.

Thursday’s watch party will start at 6:30 p.m. with the puck dropping at 8:30 p.m. CST.

The Preds lost Game 5 to the Hurricane 3-2 in overtime on Tuesday, May 25. Game 6 is an elimination game meaning Nashville will need to win in order to force a Game 7.

Fans can learn more about the event on Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. website.

Scotty McCreery Sounds The Pre-Game Carolina Hurricane Siren For Game 5

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Country singer Scotty McCreery.

The Nashville Predators aren’t the only team with country music super fans. Scotty McCreery, a native of North Carolina, was the pre-game siren sounder for the Carolina Hurricanes prior to their 3-2 overtime win against the Preds on Tuesday, May 25.

McCreery, the winner of American Idol season 10, has been a lifelong Hurricane fan even though he has been spotted supporting Nashville on occasion in the past.

“As a North Carolina guy, I’ve been a fan of the Carolina Hurricanes since I can remember,” says McCreery. “They moved to North Carolina when I was 3-4 years old, so they are the team I grew up with. They’ve always been a great team, but I especially love the current roster. It’s full of young guys and they’re aggressive; they work hard and they always go for it. Coach Brind’Amour has done a great job leading this team. Obviously I travel a lot, but when I’m home in Raleigh, I don’t miss a game. I love this team!”

McCreery is currently No. 23 on Mediabase/Country Aircheck and No. 29 on Music Row’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his single “You Time.”  He’s finishing up work on a new album to come out later this year. He’ll start the “You Time Tour” in July and will also be direct support for select dates on the Old Dominion “Live from the Ball Park Tour.”

The Hurricane went on to beat the Predators in Game 5, now with a chance to take the series if the team can win on Thursday, May 27 at Bridgestone Arena.

 

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Bridgestone Arena To Increase Capacity for Predators Game 6

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Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

The Nashville Predators will be increasing the capacity at Bridgestone Arena to 14,107 fans for Game 6 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, May 27.

The Preds won both of its games against the Hurricanes on Friday and Sunday both at Bridgestone and both in double overtime. The impact of having thousands of Nashville fans was evident with the series now being tied 2-2. With nearly 2,000 additional fans cheering on the team this Thursday, the Predators will continue to host the largest crowd of any NHL team appearing in the 2021 Playoffs.

Starting at 10 a.m. CST today (May 25), Predators Season Ticket Citizens will be notified of their opportunity to access an exclusive pre-sale to purchase additional single-game tickets for Game 6 at the season ticket rate. Following the conclusion of the pre-sale, all remaining single-game tickets to Round 1, Game 6 will go on sale to the general public exclusively at NashvillePredators.com/Tickets.

Fans will still be required to complete a symptom screening prior to each game and wear a mask at all times while on Bridgestone Arena property. More information on all policies and procedures can be found at NashvillePredators.com/Tickets/Smashville-. 

The Predators take on the Hurricane in Game 5 tonight at 7 p.m. CST in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment To Open New Ice Center In Sumner County

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Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment LLC and the Predators have announced the building of a new ice center in Sumner County at The Goat Farm.

The new development is part of a public-private partnership between the SS&E, Sumner County, the City of Gallatin and the City of Hendersonville. Stratos Development will serve as the main developer of the facility at The Goat Farm–a 54-acre Sumner County landmark accessible from Nashville Pike and Shute Lane–with assistance from longtime Predators Season-Ticket Citizens Randy Smith and Alex Smith.

“As I’ve said before, the environment we’ve created in Antioch and Bellevue–and will create in Montgomery County–is something everyone in Smashville should be proud of, and we are thrilled to be able to bring that same enthusiasm for growing the game to Sumner County,” says Predators President and CEO Sean Henry. “Since we first opened Ford Ice Center Antioch in 2014, we’ve been able to see the benefits of our public-private partnerships come to life, from the economic impact to the growth of youth and adult hockey. As we move forward with this development in Sumner County, we want to thank county leadership, the cities of Gallatin and Hendersonville, Stratos Development, Randy and Alex Smith and the NHL and NHLPA for helping turn what once was a vision of expansion in the Middle Tennessee community into a reality in the near future.”

The development of the roughly 100,000-square-foot facility, which will feature two sheets of ice, public and private locker rooms, a weight room and hockey pro shop, among other amenities, will be partially funded by the NHL and NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. On top of an already robust schedule of programming for youth and adult hockey, girls hockey and figure skating, the Predators and Ford Ice Centers were awarded funds from the IGF in October 2020 for further investment in the development of youth hockey in Middle Tennessee.

Using these funds, the Predators have taken their commitment to growing girls hockey and learn-to-skate programs to a new level – 350 girls were introduced to the sport this past winter with a 20-week training program that culminated with a free tournament at the end of the season, and through the Go Skate! program, 600 kids learned how to skate for the first time with world-class coaching from the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy.

“I am very excited about this state-of-the-art ice hockey facility and quality commercial development coming to Sumner County and the City of Gallatin,” says Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt. “This event center will create numerous opportunities for our young people and families that are passionate about this growing and vibrant sport. I would like to thank the Nashville Predators organization for their involvement in branding this facility that will enhance Sumner County’s ability to attract visitors and showcase the many amenities our County has to offer. This facility will enrich the quality of life for our citizens and set our county apart as a regional destination.”

This is the fourth location SS&E and the Nashville Predators have created to grow the sport of hockey throughout Middle Tennessee. In addition to the Ford Ice Centers in Antioch and Bellevue, SS&E will manage soon-to-be-named, in partnership with F&M Bank, Montgomery County Event Center in Clarksville, which is scheduled to open during the 2022-23 season.

In addition to the planned state-of-the-art amenities, the facility will host hockey tournaments as well as on-ice events and competitions similar to the existing Ford Ice Centers in Antioch and Bellevue. The two additional ice sheets in the community will allow the Predators to offer similar programs in Sumner County, such as learn-to-skate, youth and adult hockey and Scott Hamilton Skating Academy lessons and events.