2008 Predators Hockey Schools Photo Gallery

Over 130 youth hockey skaters and goaltenders ages 4 to 14 participated in the Nashville Predators 2008 Hockey Schools series presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee at Centennial Sportsplex and Cool Springs Ice Center. In nine years of summer hockey schools for kids ages 8-14, young novice hockey players ages 4-7 had the opportunity to participate in the second annual evening camp at the Little Preds Hockey School.
( Little Preds Hockey School Recap Video )

The 9th Nashville Predators Hockey School continues to be one of the most popular youth hockey programs offered by the Preds. Selling out months before the summer, Predators 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. Over 80 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 two and a half 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. Predators video coach Robert Bouchard returned for his ninth year as the lead on-ice instructor. Staff this year included Preds strength and conditioning coach David Good, Preds hockey operations manager Brandon Walker, Preds amateur & youth hockey manager Andee Boiman and guest instructors Pat Haney (an experienced Canadian amateur hockey coach) and Dean Stork (ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones assistant coach). Predators forward Steve Sullivan and Preds prospects Jonathon Blum and Jeremy Smith made on-ice guest appearances.

The week-long experience was a mixture of hard work and fun activities. The Nashville Predators 2008 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 2nd annual Little Preds Hockey School the week of July 21st held in the evenings at Cool Springs Ice Center in Franklin, TN. Over 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 was headlined by Preds Video Coach Robert Bouchard as the lead instructor. Additionally, on-ice instruction features members from the Nashville Predators amateur & youth hockey department, Cool Springs Ice Center hockey staff, local high school hockey players and team mascot Gnash. 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.

Information for the Nashville Predators 2009 Hockey School series will be announced in early 2009. Be sure to sign up for Preds Priority Email to have the latest youth hockey news delivered to your inbox.