Predators video coach Robert Bouchard served as the lead on-ice instructor at the camp for the eighth year.

Now in its ninth year, the Nashville Predators Hockey School continues to be one of the most popular youth hockey programs offered by the Preds. Selling out months before summer arrived, the 2007 hockey school welcomed boys and girls ages 8 to 14 for a week of fun-filled hockey development at Centennial Sportsplex, the official practice facility of the Nashville Predators.  More than 90 participants, made up of local skaters as well as players from neighboring southeastern states and as far away as Sweden, participated in the camp.  The week-long camp aimed to teach players and goaltenders on-ice skills, off-ice conditioning and team-building exercises.  Participants were challenged daily with three hours of ice time, intensive dry land conditioning, power skating, passing, shooting, off-ice training techniques and video analysis.  Other features of the camp include lectures on nutrition, injury prevention, equipment maintenance, perspectives from Nashville Predators personnel, a skills competition and an all camp scrimmage. 

This informative and action-packed week featured on- and off-ice instruction from the Predators' coaching staff and prospects, with Predators Video Coach Robert Bouchard returning for his eighth year as the lead on-ice instructor.  His staff this year included Preds Strength and Conditioning Coach David Good, Hockey Operations Manager Brandon Walker, Amateur & Youth Hockey Coordinator Andee Boiman in addition to guest instructors Ken Carroll (CHL Shreveport Mud Bugs goaltender), Pat Haney (an experienced Canadian amateur hockey coach) and Dean Stork (ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones assistant coach). Predators forward Vernon Fiddler and Preds prospects Kelsey Wilson and Jeremy Smith also made on-ice guest appearances.

Photo Gallery

2007 Predators Hockey Schools (23 photos)

The week-long experience was a mixture of hard work and fun activities.  The Nashville Predators 2007 Hockey School was a success in the eyes of both instructors and players alike. 
      
In addition to the week-long hockey school held in July, the Nashville Predators hosted the inaugural Little Preds Hockey School August 6-10, evenings at Southern Ice Arena in Franklin, Tenn.  More than 60 skaters and goaltenders ages 4 to 7 worked on beginner hockey skills in a fun environment.  Little Preds Hockey School ran for an hour-and-a-half nightly and featured on-ice instruction from the Nashville Predators Amateur & Youth Hockey staff, Southern Ice Arena hockey coaches and local hockey players.  To cater to the novice, young participants, basic hockey skills were taught utilizing skill stations that promoted development in a fun atmosphere.  The pint-sized skaters worked on stopping, shooting, passing, backward and forward skating, and balance, intermingled with scrimmages and fun games.

Predators Associate Coach Brent Peterson, Assistant Coach Peter Horachek, forward Darcy Hordichuk and team mascot Gnash made guest appearances to assist with on-ice instruction and sign autographs following the nightly sessions.  The first-ever Little Preds Hockey School brought rave reviews from players and parents! 

Information for the Nashville Predators 2008 Hockey School series will be announced in early 2008.  Be sure to sign up for Predators Priority Email to have the latest youth hockey news delivered to your inbox.