Area amateur hockey coaches were treated to a free coaching symposium hosted by the Nashville Predators on September 26. The sold out event hosted over 70 youth hockey coaches of all skill levels with representation from the Nashville area as well as Memphis, Knoxville, Louisville, Little Rock, and Huntsville.

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The morning started off at the Sommet Center with an exclusive viewing of the Preds morning skate hosted by Tom Callahan, Predators’ Radio Play-by-Play Announcer. Coaches had the opportunity to see first hand warm-up drills used by the pros as the team prepared for competition later that night.

The event continued with a classroom style lecture hosted by the Preds TV Play-by-Play Announcer, Pete Weber. The lecture featured panelists Predators’ Head Coach Barry Trotz, Associate Coach Brent Peterson and Strength and Conditioning Coach David Good. Coach Trotz discussed the importance of team unity and cited examples used in the NHL that could be incorporated in developing young hockey players. Additionally, Trotz lent his expertise in the role of a youth hockey coach to his/her players.

After that Coach Peterson vividly discussed the purpose of the special teams and how to incorporate this thinking into situational play. Following Peterson, Coach Good touched on the importance of nutrition, hydration and dryland techniques as it relates to developing young athletes.

The memorable event was capped off as area coaches and their families had the opportunity to attend Nashville’s preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes as guests of the organization.

The Predators Coaching Symposium is an opportunity for youth coaches to learn from the pros. The Preds are committed to provided resources and tools to make youth coaches better and in turn, improve their teams’ performance. For information on youth hockey programs offered by the Nashville Predators, please visit www.nashvillepredators.com/youthhockey .