Indeed, the gold jerseys were unveiled yesterday before a good-sized crowd on the Bridgestone Arena plazajust before 8 pm last night. The unveiling capped a daylong festival of all things Preds, the Skate of the Union.

Throughout the day Preds fans got a chance to get their hockey fix sated a bit, going into an air conditioned arena that reminded them training camp is only three months away while getting autographs, perusing equipment and merchandise sales, getting locker room tours, and being able to be a part of the “Skate of the Union” address from top Predators hockey and business operations staff.

It seems that the buzz generated by Nashville’s solid playoff performance is still fresh in the minds of fans, several of whom I had the chance to chat with throughout the day. It’s nice to see that the evolution of the franchise is resonating with the fans as the team takes steps towards becoming more and more competitive in the NHL. If it were simple to win the Stanley Cup, everyone would do it! But the Predators reiterated yesterday the commitment to maintaining the fan experience both on and off the ice – with Jeff Cogen and Sean Henry tipping their cards ever-so-slightly about a proposed (and unspecified) improvement to the 300 level, coinciding with the realization that once the new convention center is ready what is currently the arena’s back door may well become the “front door” for major entrance traffic.

Not to be lost in the message there is that not only is it important to see a winning team on the ice, but every moment you spend in and around Bridgestone Arena is being honed to be the most pleasing, fun and entertaining experience possible. The goal is to make the arena the best in the world in all aspects, and the fan experience is one of them. What would you like to see in the arena? And for just a moment, let’s pretend money is no object, so shoot for the moon. You never know what may grow from your ideas!

All in all, I think on top of the positive messages conveyed yesterday on and off the ice, the gold jerseys were met with a warm reception as well. Ryan Suter and Blake Geoffrion both donned the new uniform during the unveiling yesterday, showing off a jersey that will be instantly recognizable as Nashville’s team. It might take a little while, but I feel these will begin to grow on people in the very near future.

Finally, the new logo is also in line with a new, simplified look and color scheme. Retaining the basic head was a great choice and reinforcing the two basic colors of the franchise looks good. Don’t worry, if gold isn’t your thing there will be plenty of blue shirts sporting it as well I’m sure. Either way, I like the simpler look and aesthetic. It seems more “classic” if you will.

So for now, and for a few weeks yet, you the fan have time to try to look at and digest what the new season holds in store for the Predators. Certainly the team is working hard to bring Shea Weber under contract, and beyond that Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne. With that core in place and perhaps some more coming down the road, the Predators have matured with one more year in the playoffs and have put itself in prime position to once again be a top contender in the Western Conference. Let the chatter begin!

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.