Nashville Predators to Celebrate Hockey is for Everyone Month in February

Nashville, Tenn. (February 10, 2020) - This February, the Nashville Predators will celebrate Hockey is for Everyone month, an initiative created by the NHL and NHLPA to drive positive social change and foster inclusivity throughout the hockey family. The Predators kicked off the month in a big way as they announced their partnership with Tennessee State University through the historic "$1 Million in 1 Month" fundraising campaign, which has raised over $600,000 in 10 days for student scholarships.

As the month continues, Hockey is for Everyone Player Ambassador Kyle Turris, the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub and the Ford Ice Centers will host a series of Hockey is for Everyone programs as they continue to highlight Smashville's diversity and provide opportunities for the entire community to get involved.

On Feb. 16, the Nashville Predators will host NBC and USA Hockey's Discover presents Hockey Day in America. NBC and NBCSN's 10-hour broadcast, which kicks off Hockey Week Across America, will originate from the Bridgestone Arena plaza starting at 11 a.m. CT and will conclude with a postgame show following the Predators and Blues game at 5 p.m. CT. Throughout their full day of coverage, NBC and NBCSN will feature the diversity and growth of hockey in Nashville, and across the country, before airing the Predators home-ice tilt.

In honor of hosting Hockey is for Everyone and Discover presents Hockey Day in America, the Nashville Predators opened The Rink on Broadway, a public skating rink on the plaza at Bridgestone Arena, on Feb. 1. For a chance to appear on national television on Feb. 16, fans are invited to participate in one of three public skate sessions between 4:45-10 p.m. CT. Full pricing information and hours of operations can be found here.

That same day, in observance of Black History Month, which goes hand in hand with Hockey is for Everyone's initiatives, the Nashville Predators are excited for a visit from Willie O'Ree, the first-ever black player in the NHL. In conjunction with O'Ree's visit to Smashville, the Preds will host the NHL Black Hockey History Tour presented by American Legacy. On Feb. 16, the uniquely-curated mobile museum celebrating black achievement in hockey will be located outside the Schermerhorn Symphony Center starting at 11 a.m. CT. The following day, fans can visit Ford Ice Center Bellevue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT to view a showcase of today's stars while also looking back at the pioneers and trailblazers who helped shape NHL history. Admission is free for fans of all ages.

For any Season-Ticket Citizens who are unable to attend the game on Feb. 16, the Nashville Predators have partnered with 7Element: Veteran and First Responder Athletic Fund to offer unused tickets to Nashville-area military members and first responders who may otherwise be unable to attend a game. To donate their tickets, Season-Ticket Citizens can log in to their MySmashville account, choose the Feb. 16 game, click the three vertical dots adjacent to the Transfer/Sell options and select "Donate."

Following Discover presents Hockey Day in America on Feb. 16, the Predators will return to Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 18 for the Fifth Annual Pride Night presented by the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Pride. To kick off the exciting night OUT, those who purchase a Pride Night package will be invited to join LGBT Chamber members and the Nashville Pride community for a mixer in the Bridgestone Arena meeting rooms.

As the Predators and Hurricanes take the ice for warmups on Pride Night, they will show their support for all teammates, coaches and fans in the LGBTQ community by wrapping their hockey sticks with rainbow colored Pride Tape. Additionally, player-signed pride pucks and jerseys will be available for purchase at the Foundation area (outside of Section 106/107). All proceeds will benefit You Can Play, the Nashville LGBT Chamber and Launch Pad, a non-profit that works to affirm, welcome and provide street-free sleep for LGBTQ youth.

For the second time this season, the Predators will host Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Feb. 22. Hockey Fights Cancer is a League-wide initiative that has a special place in the mission of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily. As the Predators face the Blue Jackets, special guests from the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt will visit Bridgestone Arena for an extra-special, one-of-a-kind experience. The young hockey fans will enjoy Zamboni rides, visit with that night's referees thanks to Zebras Care, high five the team as they take the ice, catch the game from Pekka Rinne or Matt Duchene's suite and much more!

To support the 365 Fund and Hockey Fights Cancer, fans are invited to visit the Foundation area (outside of Section 106/107) to purchase wristbands, magnets, mystery pucks or a brand-new Project 615 "Nashville Fights Cancer" t-shirt. Additionally, a selection of signed Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, which were worn during warmups of the Nov. 2 Hockey Fights Cancer game, will be up for auction. All proceeds will benefit the 365 Fund.

If you are interested in covering any aspect of Hockey is for Everyone month, or for additional information, please contact Emily Polanowicz at 615-770-2347 or epolanowicz@nashvillepredators.com.

The Team's Leadership Group - Blueline Buddies brings together a member of the Metro Nashville Police Department and an inner-city youth, along with their mentor from a local non-profit, for an evening of hockey, dinner and player meet and greets.

Roman Josi - As an advocate for Best Buddies, Josi provides tickets for each game to a buddy pair, who participate in the high-five line as the players head to the ice. He also attends Best Buddies prom and auctions off his suite for certain games to benefit the organization.

Pekka Rinne - The 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, founded by Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber, has donated over $3 million in six years to benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt's vital cancer research. The 365 Fund also offers opportunities for the hospital's patients and their families to meet the team and experience the joy of hockey in Smashville.

Filip Forsberg - With his annual hockey clinic presented by Delta Dental, Forsberg raises nearly $25,000 for Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee each year. The clinic is held at Ford Ice Center and attracts over 100 aspiring hockey players.

Mattias Ekholm - On Ice with Ekky is a P.E. program where students from Lighthouse Christian School visit Ford Ice Center Antioch each week for a hockey lesson with Ekholm. If they decide to continue after six weeks, a scholarship is offered.

Nick Bonino - Bones' Barracks enhances the experience of each game's Ford Military Salute honoree by offering a meet and greet with Bonino, an autographed Preds jersey and dinner in the Patron Platinum Club.

Matt Duchene - Duchene's Hockey Tonk is a suite where families impacted by illness can enjoy a Predators game and attend a meet and greet with Duchene prior to puck drop. A local musical artist is also invited to join the families.

Ryan Johansen - To benefit local youth hockey initiatives, Ryan Johansen's suite is auctioned off for select games. Additionally, proceeds from Johansen's Engine 92 merchandise are donated to youth hockey organizations and the Nashville Fire Department's Foundation.

Colton Sissons & Austin Watson - The Annual Holiday Party is a celebration of the holiday season for over 100 underprivileged children, who get to ice skate at Bridgestone Arena and open the gifts that Sissons and Watson shopped for and purchased.

Kyle Turris - Kyle's Crew, created by Hockey Is For Everyone ambassador Turris, invites disabled individuals to Predators games and hosts postgame meet and greets with Turris and other Preds players.

Yannick Weber - Weber's Woof Pack is a membership-based club that benefits Middle Tennessee animal rescue organizations. Members receive Preds pet gear and invites to dog park meet ups with Weber.

Kids Club presented by Delta Dental
The Nashville Predators Kids Club presented by Delta Dental provides an opportunity for kids and families alike to get involved with the team and is filled with exciting features, events and member benefits. Fans can sign up for Kids Club at the Delta Dental Kids Zone (outside of Section 108) during all Nashville Predators home games or at NashvillePredators.com/kidsclub.

Preds Girls Hockey
Preds Girls Hockey is a brand of all things related to female hockey programming. The Predators will offer free memberships where each person receives Preds Girls Hockey branded hair bands, a welcome card and invitations to Preds Girls Hockey only events. This is open to current female hockey player or any female who may be interested in playing hockey. NashvillePredators.com/predsgirlshockey.

Hockey & Heels
Hockey & Heels presented by Hermitage is an event for women to get an inside look at the Predators organization while learning more about the sport of hockey. This fun-filled evening features a photo op with Predators players, Hockey 101 with Preds broadcasters, behind-the-scenes tours of the Preds dressing room, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, prizes, giveaways and more!

Smashville Street Hockey
Through Smashville Street Hockey, the Predators partner with Metro Parks and Recreation, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and after school programs to provide each program with street hockey sticks, balls, nets and goals. Additionally, each program receives start-up hockey instruction for administration and informative manuals for staff and participants. This free grassroots hockey development program emphasizes that all a child needs to play hockey are sneakers, breaking down any socio-economic barriers associated with the sport.

Taking Hockey to the Streets
Taking Hockey to the Streets is a grassroots marketing initiative in which members of the Predators organization make unannounced visits to neighborhoods where kids routinely gather to play street hockey. The visit includes a street hockey game, giveaways for the young players and an appearance by players, coaches and Preds mascot Gnash.

Hockey Rules Summerfest
Hockey Rules is a free, traveling, interactive hockey experience that aims to educate youth summer camps on basic hockey skills and the Nashville Predators organization. Hockey Rules Summerfest visits more than 35 camps, reaching more than 2,000 children each summer. The Predators provide all necessary equipment and instruction at no cost.

Go Skate!
Go Skate! is a free Learn to Skate program proudly presented by the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy, the Ford Ice Centers, Nashville Predators and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. This unique program encourages first-time skaters between the ages of 5-12 to learn to ice skate in a fun and encouraging environment, at no cost. The program includes a free seven-week session of Scott Hamilton Skating Academy's Learn to Skate classes with a FREE pair of hockey or figure skates at graduation. The program launched in 2016 and has granted over 1,886 skaters with free classes and skates, removing economical barriers and making skating accessible for first time youth to give skating a try!

Get Out and Learn! Presented by Erie Insurance
Get Out And Learn! (G.O.A.L!) presented by Erie Insurance introduces the game of hockey to anyone without the financial commitment typically associated with the sport. This free, introductory program, designed for those with no prior experience, is offered in weekly sessions throughout the year at local rinks. The Predators provide all necessary equipment, ice time and instruction, making the program ideal for any family. The Preds are dedicated to supporting the development of youth hockey at all levels and recognize the need for local skating facilities to be accessible for beginners to help grow the sport, beginning at younger ages. Since its inception in the fall of 2006, more than 6,000 kids have graduated from G.O.A.L!

Little Preds Learn to Play
Little Preds Learn to Play, which is partially funded by the NHL/NHLPA's Industry Growth Fund, is a multiyear, multi-city endeavor by the Nashville Predators and participating ice rinks in an effort to reduce cost barriers associated with an introductory program. Each session runs for six to eight weeks consecutively and is designed for boys and girls ages 4-9 who have never played hockey. Participants receive weekly on-ice instruction, Nashville Predators Alumni appearances, a full set of hockey equipment and Nashville Predators Kids Club Membership for only $150!

PREDecessor
PREDecessor is a continue to play program for participants that graduated from the Little Preds program but are not ready for youth league. This program puts an emphasis on the core skating fundamentals along with a feel for the puck and general hockey knowledge. Positions, concepts and rules for playing the game are taught, all while continuing to build the player's competency in their individual skills.

NPAHA Youth House League
This recreational league provides participants the opportunity to develop individual and team hockey skills in a fun, relaxed environment. The goal is to not only develop a player's hockey skills, but to create an environment where youth can learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and a good work ethic. The emphasis of the programming will be on being "better than before." The league is offered year-round and consists of more than 400 young hockey players fielding teams in a variety of age divisions.

Advanced Program
The Advanced Program is designed for youth league participants who are on the cusp of playing travel hockey. The program offers challenging practices, competition and a higher level of play to help get them to the next level of hockey.

Scott's All Stars
Scott's All Stars is a program providing Learn to Skate classes for children with intellectual disabilities and other special needs. Our incredible team of coaches is dedicated to helping skaters learn and have fun at a comfortable pace and in a safe and sensory friendly space. In addition to the Learn to Skate program itself, we are proud to provide support and programming for parents and caregivers while continuing education for staff and coaches.

Preds All Stars
Preds All Stars is a program that provides a hockey league for people with intellectual disabilities and other special needs. There are no skill requirements to participate. Players are encouraged to learn at their own speed to reach their goals. Players gain self-confidence and self-esteem from the help of our dedicated coaches.

Predators Hockey School
The Predators host two weeks of hockey school each July at Ford Ice Center, which is open to boys and girls ages 6-14. Youth attending the hockey school are challenged daily with more than two hours of ice time, intensive dry-land conditioning, video analysis, and "chalk talk" sessions. Hockey School emphasizes the basic fundamentals of hockey - stickhandling, power skating, shooting and passing. Other features of the camp include daily lectures on nutrition, injury prevention and equipment maintenance.

Preds Fitness Challenge
Preds Fitness Challenge is an initiative designed to fit within the current P.E. curriculum and aims to keep children active and encourage them to make healthy choices. The Challenge requires students to complete five challenges centered around staying active, choosing healthy eating habits and an introduction to street hockey throughout the school year. Schools receive a Welcome DVD with the Preds Strength Coach, 60 sticks and balls, pop-up nets, fitness wall charts, bracelets and charms to track student progress, a nutrition worksheet and teacher manual. Preds Fitness Challenge reached 270 schools and 127,000 students last season.

Future Goals - Hockey Scholar™ powered by Everfi
The Future Goals - Hockey Scholar™ online course is a unique tool that leverages the exciting game of hockey to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts to students in grades 4-8. This course, aligned to state science and math standards, also introduces students to STEM careers in hockey. This free program for educators has an annual reach of over 435 participating schools, and more than 29,000 students involved in the digital platform.

To celebrate Hockey is for Everyone month, the Predators have introduced the Breakaway Pass presented by Nashville International Airport! For a membership fee of just $99 per pass, you'll receive a concourse or standing room only ticket for all remaining home games in February! You'll also receive pre-sale offers for other Bridgestone Arena events and family shows for the month of February, a free one-hour pass to skate on The Rink on Broadway and a voucher for one complimentary day at BNA Express Park!

 

For even more fun in the month of February, join us in Smashville for our Seventh Annual Daddy-Daughter Day on Feb. 16, which will feature face-painting, button making and complimentary skating on The Rink on Broadway for all purchasers. On Feb. 29, the Predators will host a Girl Scout lock-in, where attendees can enjoy the game, catch a movie on FangVision, sleepover at Bridgestone Arena and then enjoy breakfast treats after a wake up call from Gnash!

The Nashville Predators have partnered with Donate Life Tennessee to raise awareness for increased donor registration. All Tennessee organ donors are now eligible to receive $20 off a Lower Bowl ticket or $10 off an Upper Bowl ticket for ALL remaining Nashville Predators home games. To participate, please show your Tennessee driver license with the red heart indicating you are a registered donor at the box office.