Monday's news: Ryan Ellis, your new Captain Canada

As the Nashville Predators enjoy a few days' break until they play the Blackhawks in Chicago on Wednesday, we've got plenty of news on the developmental front to feed your hockey addiction this morning. Follow after the jump for one first-rounder who will play a leadership role at the World Juniors, another who is leading a turnaround for his team, and an update how the Milwaukee Admirals are doing these days...

Mike Fisher (Mr. Carrie Underwood) and the Ottawa Senators come into Smashville on Thursday, so make sure to use our coupon code for discount Nashville Predators tickets. Remember, if you're looking to finish up your Christmas shopping, hockey tickets can make a great gift!

Nashville Predators News

Spitfires D Ellis named captain of Canadian junior team - TSN
The Preds' elite defense prospect Ryan Ellis was named captain of Team Canada's entry at the World Junior Championships, which begin Sunday in Buffalo.

Preds On The Glass: Predators Losses Have Come in Bunches and Monday Wrap-Up
Buddy brings portents of doom this morning... could the roller coaster start heading down?

Milwaukee Monday: Ads Split Weekend Games | Section 303
Patten brings us up to date on what the Admirals have been up to, including a shutout for Jeremy Smith as he took over while Mark Dekanich was with the Preds.

Lindback’s Reign In Goal Nears End As Rinne Gets Set To Return - Predlines
Amanda celebrates the fine run that Anders the Giant put together while Pekka Rinne was injured. It's hoped that Peks might play either Wednesday or Thursday now that Mark Dekanich has been returned to Milwaukee.

Preds On The Glass: Steve Begin's NHL Return Was a Brief Cameo
Buddy chronicles the Steve Begin era in Nashville.

OHL: Petes' quiet improvement paying off for Watson, Quine - Buzzing The Net
Austin Watson, the Preds' 1st-round draft pick last summer, may be leading a turnaround for the Peterborough Petes.

Around the NHL

A day for easing old hurts | The Columbus Dispatch
This is your mandatory hockey read of the day. Back in 2002, Blue Jackets forward Espen Knutsen took a shot which deflected up into the stands and hit 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil, who died shortly thereafter from the injury. Over the weekend, he met with her family for the first time since that horrible accident, as both he and the family healed some old wounds.

LA Kings Jonathan Bernier defeats Nashville Predators | Hockey Independent
The Mayor notes that whenever the Kings have needed a win against Nashville, Jonathan Bernier seems to have their number.

Ex-goalies weigh in on Mason's woes | The Columbus Dispatch
Tom Reed talks with a quartet of old netminders to get ideas on how Columbus can get Steve Mason headed in the right direction.

The Stars are amazing: There is no other word for it - The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Stars are the improbable leaders of the Pacific Division so far.

Kamloops Blazers celebrating wins with EA Sports 'NHL 94' tribute - Puck Daddy
Who says kids don't know their history?

Before HBO's 24/7, there was ESPN's Detroit Red Wings: The Season - From The Rink
You know, I had forgotten all about this...

The Rise of Brian Boyle - Blueshirt Banter
Rob looks at the breakout season for the Rangers' giant forward.

Lastly, some of you may have heard Clay Travis of 104.5's 3 Hour Lunch refer to the "One Clap" video last week. DJ Steve Porter has put together some amazing sports-related music videos, and now he's given Don Cherry of Hockey Night In Canada the treatment (h/t Puck Daddy):