Wednesday's notes: It's Hockey Day In Nashville
by Dirk Hoag on Jul 13, 2011 7:45 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators News
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Today's Skate of the Union represents one of the truly special days on the hockey calendar here in Nashville. The festivities get rolling at 10:00 a.m. with a sidewalk sale by the arena Pro Shop, followed by the used equipment sale, which opens to season ticket holders at 11:30. There will be a party on the plaza later in the afternoon, and of course the main event at 6:00, which features the new jersey unveiling and the panel discussion by team leadership (complete schedule can be found here).
My question to you this morning is, what are you most looking forward to out of this event? I think we need to temper expectations about any big surprise announcements of contracts or player trades, but there are lots of things to anticipate. Just being down at Bridgestone Arena with a crowd of hockey fans, sifting through the used equipment sale for deals on top-end hockey gear, autograph signings by Preds alumni, etc.
For me, the most interesting part of the evening is David Poile's assessment of the situation heading in to training camp. It's natural for someone in his position to hype the prospects in the system and the potential they all have, but taking a realistic assessment, you'd have to think that today's roster is thin up front and missing some aggressive beef on the blueline, and that's just compared to the group which finished the playoffs, which was already banged up and drawing on reserves at the time.
The kids in the pipeline don't do much to address either of those concerns, and some proven NHL talent will be needed before the season starts. From here until late August, however, the market grinds to a near halt as the hockey world takes its well-deserved vacation, so we're going to have be patient.
So chime in with your thoughts on tonight's event in the comments below, after your morning hockey news - which includes another profile of how Calgary is pushing ahead in what I'd refer to as Hockey R&D...
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Really, we're all just waiting for the SOTU tonight!
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I think we need to temper expectations about any big surprise announcements of contracts or player trades
I definitely agree, and it bears repeating. I hope people will be at least a little realistic.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Beeswax!
I’m expecting big things. And that IS realistic!
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
:P
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes! Big!
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 12:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I heard Poile was going to walk on water!!!
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, that's what they're bringing me in for.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
anybody can walk on frozen water.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 2:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
new jersey
i know we’ve seen pictures of the very close prototypes, but this is still the one thing i’m most excited about. that, and hopefully some news as to when gear with the new logo/colors will be available. i’m also hopeful to see the jersey on our players rather than on a hanger. and that taylor swift will NOT be there……
TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....
LITTLE TO NOTHING
other than a chance to gather and think/talk puck in person.we can feel the atmosphere for the 1st time in a couple months. its a great PR event thats designed for fun. the unis being unveiled is news, but thats about it. anyone that thinks they will get roster answers will go home disappointed.
Why is this on a weekday?
Not very fair for the “regional” fans.
I always ask this question every time I went....
…. and now I no longer go because it is a weekday.
Just heard Cogen
talk about new “soft” boards and improvements to the amenities in the upper deck on the radio. Woot for cranial health and STH’s in the cheap seats (like me)!
I get the sense that my hope of announcing a Weber signing tonight is propably a pipe dream. A girl can dream though, right?
Still looking forward to getting some tidbits…
You’re a girl? Heck, I might have been nicer at times if I knew that………..well, maybe. :p
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 11:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but you’re one of those mean tom-girl types! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 11:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
but seriously
GB isn’t particularly nice to anyone. He speaks his mind freely here. And he has opinions that aren’t always popular. If we all agreed (and were all agreeable), this blog wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining.
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Jul 13, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate people like that.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m plenty nice, some are just to disagreeable here. ;)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 12:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No. I’m a dude. I just thought saying “guy can dream” sounded a little fruity. I guess refering to yourself in the opposite gender isn’t really witty at all in this particular instance though.
Lucky for us I take very little personally though so don’t feel like you have to temper yourself for me. ;)
by Marcus Newman on Jul 13, 2011 3:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
How Yellow is Yellow?
No more cell phone camera speculation! It’s all about how the yellowy yellowness looks under the arena lights. Our banner at the draft looked like a neon sign, but hopefully the genuine article is a little more reasonable. Big hopes for a good turnout this year. It’s not like the Titans are gonna do anything…
by Dawn Of The Pred on Jul 13, 2011 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Go find your Stand With Us towel and t-shirt from the playoffs. That’s what color they will be.
OnTheForecheck.com. On twitter at @OTFMarc (NHL) and @MarcTorrence (everything else).
by Marc Torrence on Jul 13, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s what I have been afraid of.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 13, 2011 3:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Is the used equipment sale only for season ticket holders now?
by preds4ever on Jul 13, 2011 10:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
No, but they get first pickings.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 10:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But if you go, you should have been there by now. The line stretched all the way back to Terra Haute. There was no way I could hang that long even after getting there at 10:40, so I checked the pro shop and bugged out.
What to expect?
Hey guys…long time reader, first time poster. Heading down to the events today and I’ve never been before so I’m not sure what to expect. I’m guessing the season tix holders get first dibs on everything, so I’m wondering maybe what the chances are of scoring any cool equipment or getting autographs. I’m also assuming it will be packed. Any tips on attending Skate of the Union for a newbie? Thanks guys!
Hurry up and wait. Shop around for parking.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 10:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
less than 500 were there for the roundtable talk last year. 2-3 current players will probably be there and be wearring the new sweater.
Oh really? I was picturing a sea of a like 5,000 people. I’m not getting my hopes up for any autographs, but it sure would be nice! Hope everyone that’s going has a great time!
Locker room tours start at 4pm. Autograph tables open at 4:30pm. Season ticket holders don’t get first dibs on anything but used equipment, so just get in line for the autographs.
Are you local? If not there’s probably free parking at LP Field by the bridge. Have fun.
Never been before either
But i cant wait to get down there and just see whats going on and get a few autographs for the jersey and get a nice tour of the locker rooms. Other then that i have absolutely no idea what to expect. The banner on the batman building is a brilliant idea and hey if it draws more attention to the team then bring it on, those football fans have to root for someone this fall why not a team that actually WINS! GMDP’s address will be nice to hear and see what direction he is trying to go with them and then just see what else they have up their sleeves for today.
Just remember...
Don’t step on the Preds logo in the locker room….I AM VERY SERIOUS, SERIOUSLY.
by HardCorePredFan316 on Jul 13, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I would suggest bringing lots of cold beverages with you if you go.........
Cuz there’s gonna be a lot of smoke blown up the attendee’s backsides by GMDP! :D
But have fun anyway. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 11:14 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Cold Beverages...
Is there anything they can’t fix?
by HardCorePredFan316 on Jul 13, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Touche if the day.
Gonna miss you Joel Ward...
Go Predmirals!
by Poiju on Jul 13, 2011 12:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
what are you most looking forward to out of this event?
We’re gonna announce Weber’s resigning.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions
… is getting closer and they’re still just trying to bang out a few “details”
Gonna miss you Joel Ward...
Go Predmirals!
by Poiju on Jul 13, 2011 12:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree
I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but I can’t help it. If we don’t announce his signing, I’m going to be very disappointed.
by Stu0624 on Jul 13, 2011 12:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not me. I’m going the other way. Don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed but you could be pleasantly surprised.
I just don’t think it’ll happen until Aug 1.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
I like your outlook. I share it.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 2:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you want Weber to quit? Or did you mean his re-signing?
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe you can help out with the NFL labor negotiations?
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Or maybe they will announce world peace and free cars for everyone!
by musamonster on Jul 13, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
It makes me really proud to be a Preds fan...
to see how much effort the team is putting in to community outreach. This whole Skate of the Union is such a great idea to keep the finds connected during the off-season. And giving ticket vouchers to those who attend the address is a classy move.
Somebody needs to light a fire under Poile’s ass. If you keep going in “not expecting” anything then thats what they are always going to give you. I demand more from this team!!! I don’t wanna be a mediocre joke. I want a winner and I want one now!! So get to it Preds management!! Step up your game boys!
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 12:40 PM EDT reply actions
To clarify, in case this is in response to my comment, I meant not expecting an announcement of Weber’s contract today, instead of not expecting improvement in the team. I absolutely agree that we have to hold the team accountable and demand more. We’ve been very patient; it’s time that patience was rewarded.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
haha, it wasn’t in response to you or anyone… the only comment I read on here so far was SWFP’s and thats cause I had to get in my punches at him early today
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Can’t go this year…Too busy. Already ordered my jerseys. Don’t need any used equipment, but JP’s could be sold for new, I’m betting.
I’ve always enjoyed it in years past. It’s good to get out and talk hockey on the streets. Might be more interesting with the new management, who seem to be bringing hockey to a new level here.
Oh, my cousins uncle, who knows a minor league hockey player who knows Weber, stated Shea will sign a 3 year, 22.5 million contract.
did he say when Radulov will return?
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
That's the shadiest thing I've ever heard.
Weber doesn’t talk to minor leaguers.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
My girlfriend’s, sister’s, cousin’s, boyfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who said he saw Weber pass out at 31 Flavors last night…I guess it’s pretty serious.
by HardCorePredFan316 on Jul 13, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's what's gonna happen with the Weber signing:
Poile is talking, blahblahblah….
Then the team announces that there’s a new jersey for next year…
…the crowd cheers as SHEA WEBER is modeling the newest Pred jersey…
…Weber turns around and its got the #6 and his name on the back, and then the C on the front…
…the crowd goes nuts…………..
………and then Poile starts talking……
……and he announces that Weber and the Preds have come to terms…….
……And he signs in his brand new jersey……
…….and the freakin’ place goes nuts…….
Dirk streaks across the stage and all the women start screaming and the police jump on him and he’s arrested and Chris takes over OTF while Dirk is dealing with legal and family issues……
……and everybody goes crazy and they end up selling 17,113 season tickets for next year.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 13, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
a fascinating little story! at first I thought it was going to turn out to be a flashback as to what happened last year. Since except for signing a new deal it is exactly what happened during the last Skate of the Union. they have been very silent for the past few days no info no leaks I bet something will either be announced or hinted at. The deal hinted at by the Minor league cousin does not sound to far off the mark to be true. Also he said that is what Shea is looking for not what he signing for.
question is....
… will dirk enjoy the streaking and police pile-on afterward?
Why do think I've dropped 15 pounds over the last month?
I want to look good up there, at least.
Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to news, reviews, and deals on hockey equipment and accessories. Catch me on Twitter, or join OTF on Facebook!
I am starting the “Get Dirk out of Jail” fund. Anyone wishing to donate can find me at the arena tonight
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Or Monopoly money for that matter?
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
clearly some people do not want Dirk out of jail…. so I am now forced to put on a concert to raise awareness. “Free Dirk 2011”. Shirts will be $25.
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 13, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Let’s not be hasty… Free Dirk 2012!
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 3:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Free Dirk when we get a top 6 forward!
Sorry, Dirk, but enjoy your longer than expected stay in the big house! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 5:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Don’t say that. Dirk actually likes it in the Big House. Except when Appalachian State beats them.
OnTheForecheck.com. On twitter at @OTFMarc (NHL) and @MarcTorrence (everything else).
by Marc Torrence on Jul 13, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Worst loss I ever saw in the Big House was the Rocket Ismail game when he scored two touchdowns for Notre Dame. That was my first U-M game, and it drizzled the whole time. Blech.
Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to news, reviews, and deals on hockey equipment and accessories. Catch me on Twitter, or join OTF on Facebook!
You're a Michigan guy?
LOL! That explains a lot.
A boyoboy do they SUCK!
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 16, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
What did everyone get?
I got a Dex stick, a couple of Dex locker plates, a Suter stick and a pair of Hornqvist gloves. (I have to leave my windows down because the gloves are stinking the place up).
Good thing you didn’t buy any Ward sticks, as you would be sorely disappointed when they break all the time.
by HardCorePredFan316 on Jul 13, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I went to that last year...
…. and all I got was a lousy t-shirt!
A couple of times during the day last year theybrought out some more stuff.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 2:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Potential HUGE News Tonight...
…make sure you’re there.
by Smitty's Rosy Red Cheeks on Jul 13, 2011 3:11 PM EDT reply actions
So what was your one other comment about?
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 3:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That we would sign either Lombardi or Koivu.
by Smitty's Rosy Red Cheeks on Jul 13, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s only ‘potentially’ huge. Like we signed an 8’8" winger.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 3:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybe it’s news that Ryan Ellis grew 6 inches?
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
by DonBorvio on Jul 13, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I know.......
Poile will produce documented evidence that he did call another GM about one of their forwards! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 5:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
RE: the Jerseys
Let’s preemptively temper our hatred of the yella jerseys for now. Things can be worse.
I posted this link yesterday and Patten posted a picture this morning, but this one has my vote.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Ha! Yeah…I remember those. Really rough on the eyes.
But in terms of yellow jerseys, it could be worse.
by Youarethegovt on Jul 13, 2011 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
This atrocity gets my vote, though I believe Keenan refused to let his players suit up in them. Those Canuck ones are like NHL version of the Houston Astros rainbow jerseys.
Yeah I gotta go with the ones that were actually worn for something like 6 games. Public humiliation factor.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
God I wish I could go today
I h8 summer school. Not really cause it’s helping me graduate early but still. bleh.
I currently star in the new MTV3 series,
"Jersey Shore: Lake Erie Edition"
Cleveland Rocks!
Read it and weep
Poile: We are young and primed. Bergfors is going to be this year SK74.
Cogen: Preds are the best fans he has seen. Aiming for 25 sellouts this year. Lots of new and old corporate sponsors doing new things. Fox is going to add five more games to broadcast schedule.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 7:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
So in other words: the BS was being piled high!
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 7:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
they still kept saying that they would spend more than last season?!? Only Weber to resign, no decent free agents left, and no prospects to trade for a bonafide scorer. IDK why they keep saying stupid stuff that obviously isn’t true?
by Shawn Kehoe on Jul 13, 2011 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
No prospects as in no deals out there to be made or that we have no prospects (i.e. young players) to trade for someone? Either meaning is a head shaker.
IMO, Poile doesn’t want to obtain a top 6 forward and therefore did nothing to acquire one. If he would at least be honest about his intentions, that would one thing, but his continual BS act is insulting.
Good luck keeping the big three here with that approach!
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 13, 2011 11:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Trotz: There are some lame mascots out there, Gnash is the best… There is a whale in vancouver, I don’t know what he does…
Cogen: Yeah his name is Burrows.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 13, 2011 8:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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