Rinne, Hartnell Surprise Dedicated Preds Fan on 95th Birthday

In a modest house on the outskirts of Davidson County, Vann Bruno sat surrounded by friends and family, clad in Nashville Predators Gold.
The group gathered on a Friday afternoon, bringing cookies and a birthday cake outfitted with the Predators logo in the icing, to celebrate 95 years of life. The past 20 have been spent cheering on Nashville's hockey club, no matter how late into the night - or the morning - the game goes on.
She doesn't miss a single one.

Indeed, 95-year-old Vann Bruno is as dedicated as they come, watching intently 82 times per season, and then into the springtime. Her family would love to bring her to a game, but because of mobility issues, it just isn't possible.
So instead, Jessica Bruno, married to Vann's grandson Matt for nearly two years, formulized a plan.
"I wrote the Nashville Predators Foundation almost a year ago explaining that she was turning 95 this year and her one wish was just to meet a Predators player," Jessica explained.
But, two players are better than one.
The note was received, and what started out as a dream led to Pekka Rinne and Scott Hartnell ringing Vann's doorbell, flowers and a signed jersey in tow.
As the duo entered the home, cell phone cameras clicking, tears of joy began to flow.
"I never dreamed I'd have this," Vann said, her blue eyes welling with tears.
The group made their way into the dining room to sing happy birthday, Rinne and Hartnell front and center with their new friend, while Jessica offered up a suggestion to her adopted grandmother: "Is there anything you want to ask them?"
"I just want them to win the Cup," Vann replied, her emotions getting the best of her once more.

A love for the game that began by attending Nashville Dixie Flyers games in the 1960s, Vann couldn't pick one thing about hockey she loves more than the other. And although the two visitors now have a special place in her heart, she wasn't about to play favorites, either.
"Whoever scores is my favorite," Vann laughed.
Once the trick candles were blown out, photos were snapped and a letter of thanks and gratitude was read aloud for all to hear, it was time for Rinne and Hartnell to say farewell, but not without making a lasting memory of their own.
"This was pretty cool," Hartnell said. "Turning 95 is no easy feat to get to and she's just a really great lady, a sweetheart. She said she's the biggest Predators fan out there, so it was nice to do this."
"It was awesome, just a great experience," Rinne said. "I just want to wish Vann again a happy 95th birthday. Thanks for being our fan and thanks for all the support."
And for their fan, who has enjoyed 94 celebrations prior to this one on a Friday afternoon, 95 might just be the best yet.
"It just means everything," Vann said. "I would love to see them win the Cup."