The Nashville Predators have partnered with USA Hockey for the 2008-09 season to support coaching clinics as part of USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program (CEP).

On Sunday, August 17, Nashville Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz, Associate Coach Brent Peterson and Strength and Conditioning Coach David Good were the guest speakers to approximately 20 youth coaches from the Middle Tennessee area during the USA Hockey CEP Level 3 Clinic at Cool Springs Ice Center in Franklin. These educational clinics are targeted toward coaches all hockey-knowledge levels as part of an ongoing effort to foster and improve youth hockey opportunities in the Middle Tennessee and Mid-South regions.

Coach Trotz and Peterson lent their knowledge to local coaches on how to create a team culture. Trotz and Peterson cited examples and showed video used as part of the Nashville Predators training and team building activities. Additionally, Trotz discussed the challenges of today’s youth coaches and the importance of building a relationship with the players. Trotz ended the discussion reminding coaches that their role as coach is to teach and inspire.

Coach Good covered topics related to stretching, conditioning and hydration as it pertains to youth athletes. Good engaged the coaches to ask questions concerning overall training of youth athletes for their upcoming season. Coaches in attendance walked away with additional knowledge from proper hydration and stretching techniques to overall good habits to help young athletes develop successfully.

USA Hockey, Inc. is the National Governing Body for the sport of hockey in the United States. As such, its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport. With a membership of more than 595,000 ice and inline hockey players, coaches, officials and volunteers, USA Hockey's primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots hockey programs.

The next USA Hockey CEP Clinic will be held September 12-14, 2008 at Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville. Nashville Predators Associate Coach Brent Peterson and other members of the Nashville Predators are scheduled to be the guest speakers. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit the “Coaches” section at www.usahockey.com.