Posted on 01/30/2016 6:15:16 AM PST by airborne
NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators know they play in a nontraditional hockey market, but they wouldn't have it any other way.
The passion for hockey always has been there in Nashville, and it will be on display at the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Sunday (5 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports) and at different events during All-Star Weekend.
Nashville has had a hockey fandom even if the popularity and a deep understanding of the history of the game wasn't always prevalent.
When the Predators came into the NHL as an expansion franchise before the 1998-99 season, die-hard fans immediately gravitated toward them.
(Excerpt) Read more at nhl.com ...
It took some time for hockey to fully catch on in Nashville. The game has been played for decades in the city, beginning with the Nashville Dixie Flyers of the Eastern Hockey League in the 1960s. But the Predators were the first big shot to really grow the game in Tennessee.
(let me know if you want on or off the ping list)
A lot of Hockey fans from Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh have retired in the Music City.
..the 3 on 3 format is a great idea IMHO—Go Kings Go!
I think it’s ridiculous. Play the game the way it was meant to be played. It’s a circus now.
I was talking with a buddy of mine about the size and skill level of the players today. We concluded that the rink is just too darn small; given these increases. Hockey used to be skating up and down the rink rather than “grinding” in the corners. Make the rink bigger; make the players skate. Make hockey what it was meant to be: a skill game with skating and shooting rather than a strength game with grinding and grabbing.
..understood, but 10 to 9 games with no checking is too IMO...
Agreed
GO JOHN SCOTT !!!
All All-Star Games are pretty much a joke now, even the MLB All-Star game, since Interleague Play has made it moot.
“Old Time Hockey, like Eddie Shore.”
Just how far back do you go? My hockey days began in around ‘69 -’70.
Fair enough. At least the MLB All Star Game uses all 9 players.
Actually, it’s a line from the movie, “Slapshot.”
The changes they’ve made for the NHL all star is going to be interesting. I can’t wait to watch this!
It’s about time they put something in place to give incentive to the players. I’m just furious that they are not allowing J. Toews to play on Tuesday due to him missing the all star game due to illness. Makes no sense to me.
I’m guessing spoken by one of the Hanson brothers...
“I think it’s ridiculous. Play the game the way it was meant to be played. It’s a circus now”.
Let them play the game before we pass judgement. This game is supposed to be fun for us fans and the players. This could be fun for all. I will at least give it a shot.
That’s my point...it’s NOT the game. They’re scrapping for more viewers and they want more scoring. I’d much prefer a 1-0 game than a 12-10 game. It’s ridiculous and I won’t watch. Just my two cents.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.