Preds, Ford Ice Centers Host American Special Hockey Association Friendly Games 

This past weekend, the Nashville Predators hosted the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) Friendly Games at the Ford Ice Centers in Bellevue and Antioch, Tenn.

ASHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities through the sport of hockey. The organization provides an environment of learning, mutual respect and a sense of community to thousands of athletes and families across North America.

“American Special Hockey Association started about 20 years ago, and we had just a handful of athletes and teams,” ASHA Executive Director Jennifer O’Brien told Bally Sports South’s Lyndsay Rowley during the broadcast of Saturday’s game between the Predators and the San Jose Sharks. “We now have over 7,800 [athletes] nationwide and 128 teams. They all serve individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities that otherwise couldn’t play on another team.”

The weekend kicked off with drills and a skills competition on Friday, followed by a Welcome Gathering at the Grand Ole Opry featuring dinner, a show and a special visit from Preds General Manager Barry Trotz.

“When you’re welcoming people to Nashville, if you’re not going to a Predators game, you’re going to be going to the Grand Ole Opry,” O’Brien said. “That’s exactly what we did, and Barry came and joined us. He’s really been a catalyst for our organization over the years, with all the different organizations he’s been in, so it’s great to have him continue that tradition with us and really welcome the kids.”

Saturday’s events at Ford Ice Center Antioch included a chalk talk and Q&A session with Preds alum Dan Keczmer, team building activities and a 3-on-3 competition during the first intermission of that night’s game between the Preds and Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. 

“[The Predators] have welcomed us over and over,” O’Brien said during Saturday’s game. “We’ve never felt so included, so much like we’re a part of the team.”

The weekend concluded Sunday at Ford Ice Center Bellevue with more friendly games and a send-off ceremony for the athletes and their families.

“We have some great friends here in Nashville, including a lot of [Preds] alumni,” O’Brien said. “Cody Bass showed up [on Friday]; it was great to have him out there coaching with us again. He’s been around us a number of years. How great it is to see the entire community really engaging with our players and welcoming them. It’s absolutely a pleasure and an honor to be here.”

The Friendly Games are just one of several annual events put on by ASHA throughout the year to grow the game of hockey and make it accessible to all abilities. For more information on ASHA and how to get involved, visit SpecialHockey.org.