NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 12, 2008) – Nashville Predators President of Business Operations Ed Lang recently announced a partnership with the Nashville Youth Hockey League (NYHL), housed at Centennial Sportsplex and A Game Sportsplex youth hockey league, located at A Game Sportsplex (formerly Southern Ice) in Franklin, that makes the Nashville Predators the official jersey provider of all the organizations’ house teams. This marks the first time in club history that the Predator logo will be worn by area hockey associations.

Forty-eight teams and more than 700 players ages 4-15 will don the jersey from October to March during 2008-09 league play in the following USA Hockey age divisions: Termite (ages 6-and-under), Mite (ages 6-8), Squirt (ages 8-10), Peewee (ages 10-12) and Bantam (ages 12-14).

Each jersey features the Sabre-Tooth Tiger Logo on the shoulders, and were officially unveiled during a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 23 when the Predators took on the Calgary Flames.

“The Nashville Youth Hockey League (NYHL) is excited to have the Nashville Predators as a House League sponsor for the 2008-2009 season,” Scott Phillips, NYHL youth hockey director said. “The NYHL is experiencing a record number of players this season for recreational league play and is a pleased to have such a generous partner in promoting the sport throughout Middle Tennessee. The House League Jersey program is a great move and helps to send a strong message that the Predators believe in youth hockey.”

The partnership is part of a number of endeavors by the Predators’ mission to grow and promote the sport of hockey in Middle Tennessee. Last month, the team announced a joint venture with the Greater Nashville Area Scholastic Hockey (GNASH) league that will see all 18 area high school teams play at the Sommet Center this season. The Predators have also created partnerships with local youth hockey associations and assist with fundraising, hockey education and additional ice time to promote the growth of the sport at the grassroots level. 

Additionally, the Predators have hosted the Predators Cuo, the high school state championship, each year, and hold Predators Hockey School each July. The PredatorsYouth & Amateur Hockey department hosts the Get Out and Learn! (G.O.A.L!) program, a free learn-to-play initiative at each local rink 3-5 times a year. The Predators also host clinics on the ice as well as at area schools and community centers throughout the year.