On Saturday, March 25 the Nashville Predators
welcomed the return of goaltender Pekka Rinne
to honor his legacy with a statue on the Bridgestone Arena plaza. Current players and Preds alumni joined the festivities alongside Rinne's family and other staff members. Fans looked on as Rinne spoke on the statue and thanked the SMASHVILLE community.
"The statute is not just representing me," Rinne said. "It's representing my family, the organization, the city of Nashville, the core values of our organization, hard work, community. It's representing the past players who have been in Nashville and players who are playing currently and players who are going to be Nashville Predators. I'm extremely proud, humbled, thankful. It's hard to put into words but again, I just want to thank everyone in such a special moment."
The sculpture was crafted by
Clarksville's Scott Wise
. Wise, a Day One Predators fan and Season Ticket Citizen, was up for the challenge and accepted with grace to honor such a loved player.
"He's the face of this organization, really. My kids have grown up watching him and his community involvement. And that's really big for me. It's not only his play, and he's a great player, but it's just him being a good guy, too."
Fans will now be welcomed by the statue as they enter the arena for games and events.
Rinne's legacy
will live on for years to come.
