#Smashville
Smashville created music of its own this year with resounding cheers, chants, and jubilance as the Nashville Predators skated their way to the Stanley Cup finals. The hockey team transformed Music City into a sports arena, as every bar, restaurant, and town square broadcast the games for adoring fans. Spectators threw up their fang fingers and catfish to show support for a team that advanced farther than any season before in its franchise. Nashville became the Predators' 7th man.
The Predators are a relatively new team in the NHL, joining in 1998 as expansion team. It didn't take long, however, for hockey fans around the country to take notice of the overwhelming support shown at Bridgestone Arena. Commentators and visiting teams were welcomed by a new decibel only achieved at Bridgestone, as Preds fans backed the players vocally and with a standing ovation.
Players took notice and the crowd at Bridgestone was coined the "7th" man. The love and support shown by the audience has rallied the players game after game, enough to be acknowledged as an integral part of the team itself. It's even jersey worthy, and you'll notice banners hanging in Bridgestone announcing the 7th man each game.
As if adding an honorary player to the ice isn't enough, there's another addition to the rink that garnered the spotlight through the Stanley Cup Finals. Initiated in 2003, the Preds started throwing catfish onto the rink to counter the Detroit Redwings' tradition of throwing an octopus on the ice. The catfish represents Tennessee's southern charm and fans have embraced the tradition.
Although the Predators weren't able to clench the Stanley Cup in 2017, Nashvillians are excited for the upcoming season for a chance to participate as the 7th man, and throw up their fang fingers while tossing a catfish, all in true southern style.
The Predators are a relatively new team in the NHL, joining in 1998 as expansion team. It didn't take long, however, for hockey fans around the country to take notice of the overwhelming support shown at Bridgestone Arena. Commentators and visiting teams were welcomed by a new decibel only achieved at Bridgestone, as Preds fans backed the players vocally and with a standing ovation.
Players took notice and the crowd at Bridgestone was coined the "7th" man. The love and support shown by the audience has rallied the players game after game, enough to be acknowledged as an integral part of the team itself. It's even jersey worthy, and you'll notice banners hanging in Bridgestone announcing the 7th man each game.
As if adding an honorary player to the ice isn't enough, there's another addition to the rink that garnered the spotlight through the Stanley Cup Finals. Initiated in 2003, the Preds started throwing catfish onto the rink to counter the Detroit Redwings' tradition of throwing an octopus on the ice. The catfish represents Tennessee's southern charm and fans have embraced the tradition.
Although the Predators weren't able to clench the Stanley Cup in 2017, Nashvillians are excited for the upcoming season for a chance to participate as the 7th man, and throw up their fang fingers while tossing a catfish, all in true southern style.
 |
| Smashville mural at Bridgestone Arena |
Comments
Post a Comment