Nashville Predators Hockey School is in session this week with the 8-14 year old age groups hitting the ice at Centennial Sportsplex.

The week long camps are geared towards the beginner-intermediate level male and female players and goaltenders (beginners should have some skating ability). Instructors will emphasize skating skills essential to hockey at all levels. Participants will be refreshed on the basics and given the opportunity to implement stick-handling, passing and shooting through various practice techniques and positional play. (click here for more on Nashville Predators Hockey School)

Meet some of the young participants in this year's camp.

Thursday's Camper Spotlight
Viktor Smith
Defense  •  #15

Age: 13
Favorite Player: Chris Pronger
How long have you played hockey/been skating: for two years
What are you most excited about hockey school: Most excited about learning how to improve my hockey skills.
Viktor's dad is former NHL General Manager Neil Smith, the architect of the NY Rangers Stanley Cup team in 1994.




Thursday's Camper Spotlight
Blake Slota
Forward  •  #22

Age: 11
Favorite Preds Player: Jordin Tootoo, because he rocks!
How long have you played hockey/been skating: for five years
What are you most excited about hockey school: Most excited about getting out there and having fun!
Blake likes playing forward because his coach thinks he plays best at forward.




Wednesday's Camper Spotlight
Kerry Morris
Goaltender  •  #14

Age: 12
Favorite Preds Player: Dan Ellis, because he's a goalie
How long have you played hockey/been skating: roller hockey for 2 years, but this my first year on ice.
What are you most excited about hockey school: Learning more about the game.
Kerry likes playing goal because she like the challenge of the position.




Tuesday's Camper Spotlight
Jack Wilson
Forward  •  #7

Age: 8
Favorite Preds Player: Jordin Tootoo, because of the energy he brings to the game
How long have you played hockey/been skating: just started playing hockey this week at hockey school.
What are you most excited about hockey school: Meeting Preds players and making new friends
Jack likes playing forward because he likes to pass.




Monday's Camper Spotlight
Jake Watkins
Defense  •  #35

Age: 10
Favorite Preds Player: Pekka Rinne
How long have you played hockey/been skating: Since 6-years old
What are you most excited about hockey school: Meeting Preds players (Taylor Beck, Jon Blum, Ryan Ellis, and Colin Wilson were guest instructors today).
Jake plays defense because he likes to stop shots.