Nashville Predators To Honor Former Defenseman P.K. Subban On Feb. 13

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P.K. Subban. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators will honor former defenseman P.K. Subban on Monday, Feb. 13, as the team hosts the Arizona Coyotes at Bridgestone Arena.

Subban, who played three of his 13 seasons with the Preds, announced his retirement from the NHL last September.

The three-time NHL All-Star defenseman was a prominent figure both on and off the ice. During his time in Nashville, Subban launched P.K.’s Blueline Buddies Program, an initiative to bring together youth and law enforcement. During every Predators home game, Subban brought together a member of the Metro Nashville Police Department with a big and little from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Subban was an integral part of the Preds’ 2017 Stanley Cup Final run, the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy and back-to-back Central Division titles. He had 130 points (35 goals, 95 assists) in 211 regular-season games played with the Preds, and 24 points (7 goals, 17 assists) in 41 Stanley Cup Playoff games before he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2019.

The first 7,600 fans in attendance to the Feb. 13 game will get a commemorative P.K. Subban poster.

The Preds will also celebrate Subban throughout the day:

  • 10:30 a.m. CT: A media availability for Subban will take place in the Bridgestone Arena event level Media Lounge.
  • 4:30 – 5 p.m. CT: Subban will visit the United by Hockey Mobile Museum for a photo opportunity.
  • 5:30 p.m. CT: Reception for P.K.’s Blueline Buddies program at the Music City Center begins.
  • 6:30 p.m. CT: Subban will join host Lyndsay Rowley at the Bally Sports desk for a live interview.
  • 7:10 p.m. CT: Ceremonial puck drop with Subban, Blueline Buddy family, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Subban will also be honored in-game during the first period.

Nashville Predators Foundation Award SuperGrant To Mobile Crisis Response Program, YAIPak

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The Nashville Predators Foundation and SmileDirectClub have awarded YAIPak, a mobile crisis response program, a SuperGrant totaling $35,500 at the Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings game on Saturday night (Jan. 21).

The SuperGrant will cover the cost of pallet shelving and the purchase of a forklift to increase storage capacity and better manage supplies.

“We are proud to partner with SmileDirectClub and present a SuperGrant to YAIPak,” Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King says. “The Preds Foundation has been committed to supporting deserving organizations in the Middle Tennessee community for over 20 years, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide funding for resources at YAIPak. The resources provided by YAIpak to those in need is life changing and they are fulling a big need in our community.”

Since launching in 2016, YAIPak has provided mobile outreach across many communities to support individuals in need. The team provides access to clothing, hygiene and comfort items for children entering foster care; supplies new household items for veterans moving from homelessness to housing; offers necessities to low-income families and the homeless; and provides disaster relief supplies to communities impacted by natural disasters.

“At SmileDirectClub, we understand that access to care is life changing, yet out of reach for many,” SmileDirectClub Chief Marketing Officer John Sheldon adds. “We are proud to support the important work that the YAIPak organization is doing to offer direct access to important resources and care to members of our community.”

Introduced during the 2019-20 season as part of the partnership between the Predators Foundation and Nashville-based SmileDirectClub, multiple SuperGrants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 will be awarded each season to Middle Tennessee community organizations. Funding will be allocated to support programming or the completion of large-scale projects that empower people during times of life transitions.

Including the funds awarded to Home Street Home Ministries, Monroe Harding, Retrieving Independence and Maple Built, $200,000 in financial support was distributed by the SuperGrant program last season.

Predators Prospects Yaroslav Askarov, Tommy Novak Named To 2023 AHL All-Star Classic

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Yaroslav Askarov & Tommy Novak. Photo: Courtesy of the Milwaukee Admirals

The American Hockey League (AHL) announced that goaltender Yaroslav Askarov and center Tommy Novak from the Predators affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals have been selected to play in the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic on Feb. 5 and 6 in Laval, QC.

Currently on recall with the Predators, Novak is averaging over a point per game with the Admirals this season, posting 26 points on 11 goals and 15 assists while skating in 25 games. He is currently second on the team in scoring, even though he has missed eight games because of time spent in Nashville, and he has already tied his career high for goals in a season, which was set in 60 games back in 2019-20.

Novak is also tied for the Ads team lead with eight power-play points (4 goals, 4 assists) and also paces the club with seven multi-point efforts, including four in his final seven games before being recalled by the Preds for the second time this season on Dec. 19. While with the Predators, Novak has four goals and four assists and a +2 rating while skating in 10 games.

Earlier this season, the fourth-year pro became just the 24th player in Admirals AHL history to reach the 100-point plateau. He currently sits with 103 points on 29 goals and 74 assists while skating in 130 games for his home state team.

Askarov was Nashville’s first-round choice, 11th overall, and the first goalie selected in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old native of Omsk, Russia signed an entry-level contract with the Predators last May after spending three seasons with SKA St. Petersburg.

Juuse Saros Named To All-Star Game, Sets Franchise Record For Single-Game Saves

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Juuse Saros. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

On the same night Juuse Saros was named to his second-ever NHL All-Star Game, he wowed the hockey world by saving an astounding 64 shots against the Carolina Hurricane on Thursday, Jan. 5.

His 64 saves were tied for the third-most in a game in NHL history and were the most by any League goaltender since Ron Tugnutt made a record 70 on March 21, 1991 for Quebec.

Saros has solidified himself as a top goaltender in the NHL and began to show his worth even before Preds legend Pekka Rinne retired. Saros joins Rinne as the only Predators goalie to be selected to more than one All-Star Game.

After Thursday’s game, the 27-year-old goaltender left Carolina with a 14-10-5 record, 2.77 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. His 28 starts are tied for the fourth-most in the NHL. Among League goaltenders who have played in at least 20 games this season, Saros ranks fourth in saves (816) and is tied for ninth in save percentage (.915), According to Natural Stat Trick, he has also made 212 high-danger saves, tied for the fourth-most in the NHL.

Since Nov. 12–an 18-game span for Saros–Nashville’s netminder is 10-4-4 with a 2.40 goals-against average and .926 save percentage, making at least 30 saves in 10 of those appearances, including a season-high 43 on Dec. 23 vs. Colorado. He owns a 12.34 goals saved above average (GSAA) according to Natural Stat Trick, the third-best mark in the NHL. GSAA measures the goals prevented given a goalie’s save percentage and shots faced vs. the NHL average save percentage on the same number of shots.

Saros’ recent run was bolstered by a seven-game point streak (6-0-1) from Nov. 12-Dec. 1 that saw him stop 214 of 230 shots against for a .930 save percentage. He has also proven to be one of the League’s top goaltenders in the first period of games since Nov. 12, leading NHL goaltenders with a 1.17 goals-against average and .965 save percentage in the opening frame.

He made his 250th career NHL appearance on Jan. 3 against Montreal, becoming the first goaltender from his 2013 NHL Draft class and the eighth Finnish-born goaltender in League history to reach the mark.

The 2023 NHL All-Star Game, which will be broadcast live on ABC, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The Skills Competition will take place on Friday, Feb. 3 on ESPN.

Nashville Sports Year In Review: The Top 10 Moments Of 2022

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With 2022 in the rearview mirror, let’s take a look back at some of the best moments in the Nashville sports world from this past year.

From Nashville SC opening GEODIS Park to Hany Mukhtar‘s historic season, the second Music City Grand Prix, as well as Roman Josi‘s record breaking season with the Nashville Predators, 2022 saw quite a bit of activity this year in the city’s growing sports industry.

Here are The Sports Credential‘s Top 10 Nashville Sports Moments of 2022.

10 – The Nashville Stampede Win Inaugural PBR Team Series

The Nashville Stampede celebrating their championship win. Photo: Courtesy of the PBR

Professional Bull Riding introduced its team series in 2022, offering fans a new way to cheer for their favorite bull riders.

The Stampede was led by former PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco and head coach Justin McBride. The team finished the regular season with a record of 7-20-1, but ran the table at the Team Series Playoffs in Las Vegas where they ultimately won the inaugural season.

To read up on the team and the PBR Team Series, click here.

 

9 – Belmont Women’s NCAA Tournament Run

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

It’s no secret that the Belmont women’s basketball team has been one of the best college athletic teams in the city for years now, but for the past two years, the team has been able to do what no Belmont WBB team has done before: win NCAA Tournament games.

In 2022, the Bruins took on No. 5 seed Oregon in the first round of the March Madness tournament and went on to win 73-70. Sophomores Tutti Jones and Destinee Wells put on a show where they scored 22 points and 16 points, respectively. This was the Bruins second NCAA Tournament win in program history.

Belmont later took on the Lady Vols of Tennessee on their home court in what was one of the best games of the tournament. Wells and Jones showed up big time again, scoring 22 points and 17 points, respectively, but ultimately fell just short, losing 70-67.

Despite their loss, the Belmont WBB managed to show how dominant of a team they are and will be for the coming seasons.

 

8 – Walker Zimmerman, Shaq Moore Named To USMNT World Cup Roster

Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore. Photos: Courtesy of Nashville SC

One of the biggest events of the year was undoubtedly the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The tournament, held in the winter instead of the summer, saw Nashville SC players Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore added to the USMNT roster. The Boys in Gold were one of only three clubs to have more than more of their players selected to the USA squad, and the pair were the first NSC players to play in a FIFA World Cup.

Zimmerman started and played all 90 minutes in three games for the USA, including the high-ratings match against England, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Moore played a combined 20 minutes in the tournament.

The U.S. fell to the Netherlands in the first round of the knockout stage 3-1, but Nashville SC successfully made its mark on the international stage.

 

7 – Scott Dixon Wins Dramatic Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

Scott Dixon celebrating his 2022 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix win in victory circle. Photo: Courtesy of the Music City Grand Prix.

The second annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix this past August was one to remember as the NTT IndyCar Series Championship began heating up just as the series hit Nashville.

The already IndyCar legend Scott Dixon walked away victorious by beating Scott McLaughlin by just 0.106 seconds. This was also a record-breaking win for Dixon as he it was his 53rd career-win, making him the second most winningest driver in the sports history.

The New Zealand native started the race in 14th and found some trouble during his first pit stop. After a handful of cautions and some golden opportunities, the Chip Ganassi driver was able to find himself in the front and hold off the rest of the field.

He drove brilliantly and set himself up well to win the IndyCar season after the win in Nashville.

 

6 – Predators Host Stadium Series Game At Nissan Stadium

Nissan Stadium during the NHL Stadium Series. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators continued to shine in the national spotlight as they continue to host major events, most recently being a NHL Stadium Series game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in February. It was the first time an outdoor professional hockey game has ever been played in Nashville or at Nissan Stadium.

There was a lot of hype leading up to the game, which included a week long Winter Park around Bridgestone Arena and downtown Nashville. The game also included a star-studded halftime show with performances by Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert.

Sadly, the Preds fell 3-2  in what became a close and exciting game. If nothing else, Nashville once again proved they are a legit hockey town and that they can host a major sporting event as good as anyone.

 

5 – Mike Vrabel Named Coach of the Year

Mike Vrabel. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Tennessee Titans

The 2021-22 season was a crazy one for the Titans as they fought their way to the AFC’s No. 1 seed after suffering countless injuries, including losing Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry for half the season.

Leadership and roster decisions by head coach Mike Vrabel helped the Titans overcome and win the AFC South for a second-straight season. He was named the 2022-21 NFL Coach of the Year after leading the team to a great season despite having to play nearly 100 different players and without the league’s top rusher.

His success was recognized not only by the league, but also with a contract extension from the Titans

 

4 – Roman Josi Breaks Predators Single-Season Points Record

Roman Josi. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators’ 2021-2022 season ended in the first round of the NHL Playoffs, but not before Roman Josi broke the franchise record for points in a single season, finishing with an astounding 96 points.

Josi broke the record by picking up three points on three assists against the Ottawa Senators on April 8. With an outstanding performance last season, he broke the previous record set by Paul Kariya back in 2006. He was also named a Norris Trophy finalist.

Josi also made history when he became the NHL’s highest-scoring defenseman in 29 years, posting 23 goals, 73 assists and 96 points in 80 games. Only six defensemen in the past 50 years have scored more points in a single season.

 

3 – GEODIS Park Opens

GEODIS Park. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

The opening of GEODIS Park was not only a big deal for Nashville SC and soccer in Tennessee, but also for Nashville as a whole. When GEODIS park opened in May 2022, it solidified NSC as the city’s soccer team and third professional sports team.

The stadium became the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada with a capacity of 30,000. It saw multiple sellouts throughout the season and hosted countless moments of Hany Mukhtar brilliance and memorable moments.

The stadium also offers a new music venue that is a middle ground for attendance between Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium. It is already set to host a string of concerts in 2023.

GEODIS Park will also host the USWNT in 2023 as part of the SheBelieves Cup.

 

2 – Hany Mukhtar Wins MLS Golden Boot & MVP

Hany Mukhtar with the Golden Boot and MVP Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Only a few years ago, not many people would’ve imagined that a German-born soccer player would etch his name into Nashville sports history, but after winning the 2022 MLS Golden Boot and MVP, Hany Mukhtar has become a household name in Music City.

Mukhtar was nothing short of brilliant last season as he carried Nashville SC back to the MLS Cup Playoffs for a third consecutive year. He had a remarkable 34 goal contributions (23 goals, 11 assists) in 2022, which was tied for the fifth most in a single season in MLS history.

It was a tight race between him and Austin FC’s Sebastian Driussi, but Mukhtar nearly ended that debate when he scored two goals against Austin late in the season.

The Boys in Gold struggled at times and found themselves in deep water, but Mukhtar’s performances carried them through. He scored or assisted on an incredible 65.4 percent of all Nashville SC’s goals in the 2022 season.

 

 

1 – Titans & Mayor Agree To Contract For New Football Stadium

Rendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

By far the biggest story of the year came when the Titans and Mayor’s office announced a deal to build a new, domed football stadium for the NFL franchise.

In early October, the team and Mayor John Cooper announced their plan that wouldn’t directly hit Nashville taxpayers or come from the city’s general fund. The deal includes a new lease, which will not force the city to pay for any repairs and will keep the Titans in Nashville long-term.

The proposed stadium would be a state-of-the-art building with a capacity of nearly 60,000. It will open the opportunity for Nashville to host the Super Bowl, College Football Playoffs and even a NCAA Final Four.

This new stadium will cost over $2 billion, but will be paid for by the team and the NFL, $500 million in bonds by the state and by a sales tax in and around the stadium, as well as a new hotel occupancy tax. So far, the deal has passed the first wave of approval by the Metro Council and will most likely be finalized in early 2023.

BetMGM Named Official Sports Betting Partner Of The Nashville Predators

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BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, is now an official sports betting partner of the Nashville Predators.

The multi-year agreement includes BetMGM-branded signage throughout Bridgestone Arena, including an on-ice logo and on dasher boards during games, as well as plans to open a branded BetMGM restaurant and bar on the arena’s suite level.

“The Predators are a tremendous organization with one of the sport’s most passionate fanbases,” says BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost. “We look forward to our partnership with the team and the opportunity to elevate Nashville’s game day experience.”

“We are always looking for ways to enhance SmashVille and bring a better experience to the best fans in sports,” adds Nashville Predators President & CEO Sean Henry. “Integrating an industry leader like BetMGM into our building is a tremendous opportunity and we hope to continue to grow our partnership in the years to come.”

The partnership strengthens BetMGM’s presence in the state following its announcement as the Tennessee Titans’ first sports betting partner in 2020.

Bridgestone Arena Ranks Among World Leaders In 2022 End Of Year Reports

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Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Bridgestone Arena has ranked fourth in the United States for ticket sales with 815,926 tickets sold, as well as seventh in the world for gross ticket sales with $80,647,936.70 in revenue, according to Pollstar’s 2022 Year End Industry Report.

Additionally, Bridgestone Arena is eighth in the world on Billboard’s 2022 Year-in-Touring bulletin Top Venues chart with $94.1 million and 800,000 tickets sold.

“We are thrilled to rank among top industry leaders in Pollstar and Billboard’s end of year reports,” Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues David Kells says. “This is a huge accomplishment and a true reflection of our staff who have created an unforgettable experience for fans to enjoy here at Bridgestone Arena. We would like to thank all the artists, managers, agents and promoters who choose to make our arena a stop on every tour.”

Bridgestone Arena ranked third in the United States and fourth in the world for gross ticket sale revenue in Pollstar’s 2022 Third Quarter Industry Report with $54,803,565.60 in revenue and 536,802 tickets sold.

Becoming the home for numerous national and international events, Bridgestone Arena has the distinction of being one of the busiest venues in the United States over the past decade and a half. A nominee for the Pollstar Arena of the Year for 2023, Bridgestone Arena has 15 consecutive Pollstar Arena of the Year nominations, winning the award in 2014 and 2017.

Pollstar Magazine focuses primarily on the concert industry and reports on news regarding sports and entertainment. The nominating committee is comprised of industry leaders in all facets of the entertainment business, including arena managers, artists, artist managers, agents and promoters from across the country and abroad.

Predators Set To Return To Bridgestone Arena After Water Main Break

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Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Bridgestone Arena is ready to go for tonight’s (Nov. 29) game between the Predators and the Anaheim Ducks after a water main broke last week, flooding the concourse, locker rooms and other areas of the arena in downtown Nashville.

“Very thankful for our partners throughout Smashville to get us in a position to ideally host the Ducks Tuesday!!” Nashville Predators CEO & President Sean Henry shared in a Twitter post. “Complete restoration will take a while but the combination of our staff and fans’ passion and patience will allow us to safely host events earlier than most could!”

Water began to flood Bridgestone and pour out onto Sixth Avenue South on Friday morning (Nov. 25), forcing the Predators to postpone their game against Colorado. Saturday’s much anticipated Music City College Hockey Classic game between Northeastern and Western Michigan was relocated to Ford Ice Center in Bellevue.

The water caused damage to the floors, tiles and ceilings and forced the team to practice at Centennial Sportsplex. The Preds had to postpone Saturday’s (Nov. 26) matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Despite all the issues and damage over a holiday weekend, the arena staff remarkably has the stadium ready for both the Preds game against the Ducks and the Maren Morris concert on Friday (Dec. 2).

The Preds and the NHL have yet to announce when the two postponed games will be rescheduled.