Smashville Scope: Preds Wrap Up Ford Military Salute Week

The Nashville Predators wrapped up a three-game homestand before jetting off to New York for a quick, two-game road trip.
Before the Preds take on the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT, here's a look back the events from a busy week in Smashville and a look ahead at what's to come:

Ford Military Salute Week

The Predators organization, in partnership with Ford, Middle Tennessee State University and Fort Campbell military base, had the absolute honor to host the Ford Military Salute week from March 12-18. Before the games on March 14-18, fans were able to engage and chat with each branch of the U.S. military on the Bridgestone Arena plaza. During those games, members of the military had activations on the concourse and during the in-game presentations.
Before the games on March 14 and 16, military members and families were able to partake in a pregame reception and postgame meet and greet with Preds players. During these receptions, the Preds hosted four swear-in ceremonies for those currently enlisting in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines. The first Preds Plaza Party presented by Dr Pepper took place before the game on March 18 with new activations and giveaways.

The team wore specialized military warmup jerseys during their game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. Following warmups, the jerseys were auctioned off to benefit multiple Military-focused organizations in the Middle Tennessee area. The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub also had Military Mystery Pucks and Military Mystery mini-sticks for purchase.
For more details about Military Salute Week, click
here
.

Pekka Rinne Statue Unveiling

On Saturday, March 25 at 10 a.m CT the Predators will unveil a statue of former goaltender, Pekka Rinne ahead of their game against the Seattle Kraken at Bridgestone Arena.
Rinne's statue was commissioned through Scott Wise, a renowned sculptor and Preds Season Ticket Citizen based in Clarksville, Tenn., where he also works as a firefighter. The statue will stand 11 feet, five inches tall and weigh between 850-900 pounds; it took about nine months total to complete. Rinne's actual gear, including his stick, glove and leg pads were used to make the statue's bronze casting.

Rinne was originally drafted by the Predators in the eighth round (258th overall) of the 2004 NHL Draft. He was a staple of the Nashville community during his time with the organization, winning the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the "player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community," the result of a career spent dedicated to the Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities and the Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub.
For more details about the statue unveiling, click
here
.

Duchene's Hockey Tonk Hats

Preds forward Matt Duchene partnered with The Nashville Predators Foundation, empowered by SmileDirectClub, to create 'Duchene's Hockey Tonk' hats in support of his old friend, Anthony Micallef, who unfortunately passed away due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
All profits will be donated to Cure SMA Canada and Tucker's House in Nashville in Anthony's name. The funds raised will accompany the additional funds raised by the Duchene's Hockey Tonk charity suite in Bridgestone Arena.

Hats will be available for purchase at the Foundation table located between sections 106/107 on game days and the Nashville Locker Room Store at Bridgestone Arena. Fans can also purchase hats by texting 'DUCHENE' to 76278.
For more details about Duchene's Hockey Tonk Hats, click
here
.

Milwaukee Admirals Update

This weekend saw the Predators AHL affiliate round out the last two games of a four-game homestand before kicking off a five-game road trip. On Friday, the Admirals fell 6-2 to the Chicago Wolves, while Saturday and Sunday brought a back-to-back clean sweep of the Grand Rapid Griffins.
Saturday's 2-1 win had goals from Zach Sanford and Tye Felhaber, while Sunday's 3-1 win featured goals from Felhaber, Roland McKeown and Anthony Angello.
Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov now holds a 22-13-4 record, tied for the fourth-most wins in the league. The Admirals are now tied with the Texas Stars for first place in the Central Division with 75 points.

Predators Official Podcast

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer catch up with Predators forward Philip Tomasino. He talks about what these 15 games have been like since he joined the team from Milwaukee, and discusses what it was like being told out of camp that he didn't make the opening roster and was going back to the AHL. He shares whether he watches the NCAA basketball tournament and if he filled out a bracket.

Coming Soon to Bridgestone Arena

March 20: LOVE RISING: Let Freedom Sing (and Dance)
March 23: Seattle Kraken vs. Nashville Predators
March 24: John Mayer Solo & Acoustic
March 25: Seattle Kraken vs. Nashville Predators
March 26: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Nashville Predators
For more information on events and tickets, click
here
.