As Nashville grows and changes, newcomers and visitors to town are often surprised that a honky-tonk Southern city is a major hub for hockey lovers! Since their inception in 1997, The Nashville Predators and their incredible fanbase have quickly established themselves as a cornerstone of the NHL. As a relatively young franchise, the team has grown from an expansion team to a competitive force, contributing significantly to hockey’s popularity in non-traditional hockey markets. The impact of the Preds on Southern sports and hockey fans is undeniable!
Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville look forward to the next months preparing for hockey season and invite you to dive deeper into the history and impact of the Nashville Predators Hockey Team!
The Preds’ Early Years Had Their Challenges, But They Persevered!
The Predators were awarded as an expansion team to Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1997, beginning play in the 1998-1999 NHL season. The introduction of the Predators marked a bold move by the NHL to expand into the southern United States, a region traditionally dominated by other sports.
It was a surprising expansion that stumped sports enthusiasts, especially since Nashville was a much smaller city at the time. Those early years were challenging as the team struggled to build a strong roster and gain a foothold in a city with little hockey history and without strong fan support.
Despite these challenges, the team laid a solid foundation under the leadership of General Manager David Poile and Head Coach Barry Trotz. The Predators focused on building through the draft and player development, slowly assembling a competitive squad.
Rise to Prominence and the Institution of “Smashville”
By the mid-2000s, the Predators began to see the fruits of their labor. Consistent playoff appearances starting in 2004 signaled the team’s arrival as a serious contender. Key players such as goaltender Pekka Rinne, defenseman Shea Weber, and forward David Legwand became cornerstones of the franchise, helping to establish a winning culture.
The 2016-2017 season marked a watershed moment for the Predators. As the 16th seed in the playoffs, they embarked on a historic run to the Stanley Cup Finals, capturing the hearts of fans and bringing unprecedented attention to Nashville. The enthusiastic local fan support during this playoff run cemented a new culture of hockey fans with deep traditions, including bestowing the city with the new title of “Smashville,” throwing catfish on the ice in support of the team, and a slew of game time chants that continue to this day. Although the Predators fell short against the Pittsburgh Penguins, their performance cemented their status as a legitimate NHL powerhouse.
Impact on Nashville and Beyond
The Nashville Predators’ impact extends beyond the ice. Their success has played a pivotal role in growing the sport of hockey in the southeastern United States. Youth hockey programs have flourished in the region, and the team’s presence has fostered a robust and passionate fan base known for their energetic support, epitomized by the raucous atmosphere of “Smashville” during home games. The Preds’ extraordinary fan base program has influenced other franchises to adopt more playful home game traditions and embrace a new style of hockey fans.
Off the ice, the Predators have been active in the Nashville community, contributing to various charitable causes and initiatives. Their engagement with the community has helped build a strong bond between the team and the city, making them a beloved local institution.
Future Prospects with a Growing Team
As the Predators look to the future, the foundation they have built promises sustained success. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the team is poised to remain competitive in the coming years. Their journey from expansion team to Stanley Cup contenders serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and growth, showcasing the potential for hockey to thrive in non-traditional markets. With Barry Trotz’s return to Nashville as General Manager in 2023, the future is bright for this growing team.
Get Ready for Hockey Season with Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville
Hockey season will be here before you know it, so prepare yourself with the best hockey gear available in town! Visit Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville for their Hockey Clearance Sale August 1 – 31, 2024, for 20 – 60% off ALL Ice and Inline Hockey Gear and Equipment. You won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to score some new or premium used hockey equipment.
Hockey Clearance Sale: 20 – 60% Off ALL Hockey Gear & Equipment, August 1 – 31, 2024 at Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville
With two convenient locations in the greater Nashville area, Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville are the best spots to purchase and recycle your high-quality sports gear, so you’re all set for any game you love to play!
Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood
1701 Mallory Lane, Suite 350
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-661-1107
[email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 – 8; Saturday: 10 – 6; Sunday: 12 –
Play It Again Sports ~ Hendersonville
201 North Anderson Lane, Suite 300
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-822-6633
[email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 – 8; Saturday: 10 – 6; Sunday: 12 – 5
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