How Hockey Stole My Heart – and Nashville Will Always Have My Loyalty
I’ve never laced up a pair of skates, never felt the sting of the cold ice beneath my feet, but hockey has always been a huge part of my life. I was raised in a family where hockey wasn’t just a game we watched—it was something we lived. Growing up, I didn’t have to be on the ice to feel connected to the game. I was there in the stands, cheering on my dad and my brother, and that’s where my deep love for hockey was born.
A Family Sport
In my family, hockey wasn’t optional; it was inevitable. My dad played in the NHL for the Nashville Predators, and my brother followed in his footsteps, playing from the time he was old enough to hold a stick. I never played myself, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t part of the team. From the earliest days, I was on the sidelines, bundled up at early morning practices, glued to the TV during games, and cheering my heart out in the stands.
Watching my dad play at such a high level was an experience that shaped me in ways I didn’t realize at the time. It taught me about dedication, discipline, and what it takes to succeed—not just in hockey, but in life. My dad’s commitment to the game, to his team, and to his family was something I admired, even though I wasn’t the one out there scoring goals or blocking shots. And my brother’s passion for the game has only strengthened that bond. Hockey isn’t just their thing—it’s our thing.
The Nashville Predators – More Than a Team
My loyalty to the Nashville Predators runs deep, not just because my dad played for them, but because they feel like family. I remember going to games as a kid, sitting in the stands at Bridgestone Arena, feeling the electric energy of the crowd. There’s something special about being in that building when the Preds take the ice. The music, the lights, the sound of skates cutting across the ice—it’s like stepping into a whole different world.
Even after my dad stopped playing, my connection to the team never faded. It’s more than just a matter of rooting for the hometown team; it’s about supporting a legacy that feels personal. I’ve grown up watching this team evolve from its early years into a powerhouse in the NHL. The Preds are scrappy, resilient, and full of heart—traits that not only define the team but also reflect how I see my dad’s time with them.
Dad’s Days with the Predators
My dad wasn’t just a player on the Nashville Predators; he was part of what helped shape the team’s early identity. I heard stories growing up about how he brought leadership and toughness to the locker room, how he gave everything he had on the ice. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was one of the most determined. He was the guy who showed up, worked hard, and made his presence felt in every game.
I didn’t need to be on the ice to appreciate the impact my dad had on the game and on the team. Being part of the hockey world from the stands gave me a different perspective. I got to see the bigger picture—the way teams come together, the way fans fuel the players, and the incredible sense of community that hockey builds. And I got to witness firsthand how much pride my dad took in representing Nashville.
Hockey Without the Skates
Even though I’ve never played, hockey still taught me so much. I saw what it takes to persevere, to push through challenges, and to stay committed to something bigger than yourself. Watching my dad and brother dedicate themselves to the game, I’ve learned that hockey isn’t just about what happens on the ice—it’s about passion, hard work, and resilience. It’s about showing up, whether you’re on the ice or in the stands.
Every game I watch, I feel connected to the sport in my own way. I might not know what it feels like to score a goal, but I know what it feels like to cheer for someone who does. I’ve felt the highs and lows of games, the heartbreak of overtime losses, and the thrill of hard-fought victories. Hockey isn’t just a sport you play—it’s a sport you feel, and I’ve felt it deeply all my life.
A Lifelong Bond with the Predators
For as long as I can remember, the Nashville Predators have been more than just a team—they’ve been part of my family’s story. From my dad’s time playing for the team to the endless hours spent at rinks watching my brother, the Predators have always felt like home. And even though I’ve never played, I carry that connection with me.
Every time I watch a game, I’m reminded of the memories, the sacrifices, and the incredible experiences hockey has brought into my life. The Predators, for me, aren’t just a hockey team—they’re a symbol of everything I’ve learned about perseverance, teamwork, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.
As Nashville continues to grow as a hockey city, I couldn’t be prouder to support a team that embodies so much of what I value. The Preds will always be my team, not just because of my family’s connection, but because they represent the same grit and heart I’ve seen in my dad, my brother, and in the sport itself. Hockey may be a game, but for me, it’s a lifelong love.
