Photo by Andee Boiman Neighborhood kids had the opportunity to play street hockey with Predators forward Vernon Fiddler at the March event.

After a brief hiatus from the cold winter months, the Nashville Predators' "Taking Hockey to the Streets" campaign was back in the community in March. The Predators organization packed up its vans and traveled to a neighborhood in the Grand Oaks subdivision in Brentwood, Tenn. on Sunday, March 19, when approximately 20 neighborhood children were treated to a surprise visit by Predators forward Vern Fiddler, mascot GNASH and Amateur & Youth Hockey staff members. As part of a silent auction package won at the recent Hockey Waikiki 2006 Unmasked Gala Ball--a benefit for the Predators Foundation--the Hanback family and their neighborhood were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of street hockey with the Predators.

Anxious local kids took part in a pregame warm-up and a friendly street hockey game. Fiddler paired up with one group of neighborhood children to compose a team while GNASH and other neighborhood friends made up the other. Team Fiddler and Team GNASH had a friendly match in which the neighborhood players showcased their skills. At the conclusion of the game, Fiddler and GNASH posed for photos and signed autographs for all participants.

"Taking Hockey to the Streets" is designed to identify local neighborhoods where kids gather to play casual games of street hockey. The program provides an exciting opportunity for young fans to interact with GNASH and Predators players, coaches, and staff. It also helps to promote membership growth within the sport of hockey at the grassroots level in Middle Tennessee. If street hockey is played in your neighborhood and you would like "Taking Hockey to the Streets" to schedule a surprise visit, please have an adult contact the Predators Amateur & Youth Hockey Department at (615) 770-2372.

The Predators Street Team will arrive equipped with street hockey nets, street hockey sticks, balls, goalie equipment--everything needed for a friendly game. This offers youngsters the opportunity to sample what it would be like to play hockey. All equipment used at neighborhood visits has been donated by the NHL through the NHL Street program and the Nashville Predators Street Pride program. The Street Pride program takes hockey off the ice and onto your streets. For more information, visit the Street Pride page.

Photos: View the event's photo gallery (9 photos)