Nashville Predators Holiday List – 25 Days of Predsmas: Week 4

Aug 7, 2020; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Nashville Predators celebrate a third period goal by forward Filip Forsberg (9) who scored with less then a minute to play to tie the game with Arizona Coyotes during the Western Conference qualifications at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2020; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Nashville Predators celebrate a third period goal by forward Filip Forsberg (9) who scored with less then a minute to play to tie the game with Arizona Coyotes during the Western Conference qualifications at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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It’s the Holiday Season, and as of this writing, it’s officially Christmas! We started off comparing Predators to Christmas Vacation, then pivoted to Christmas Villains, followed by a Festivus Special.

What have I got for this, the final entry in the 25 Days of Predsmas for Predators fans? Read on…

With Christmas Day upon us, and the 2021 season right around the corner, I thought of all the things that make me grateful to be not only a lucky staff member of Predlines, writing alongside some fantastic contributors, but what makes me grateful to be a FAN first and foremost.

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I can think of no better way to celebrate my fandom, and the fandom of many other Predators fans, than to give you the Seven Specialties of Smashville – the things that make Nashville Predators hockey special to me. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is a legendary institution and the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a now-trendy style.636734957858872284-Princes1.JPGPrinces Hot Chicken Shack is a legendary institution and the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a now-trendy style.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is a legendary institution and the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a now-trendy style.636734957858872284-Princes1.JPGPrinces Hot Chicken Shack is a legendary institution and the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a now-trendy style. /

For my Predator’s experience, the pre-game meal is crucial, and for me, there’s nothing better than Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. There are MANY imitators, but Prince’s is the OG, and in this writer’s opinion, the very best of the best. My go to is usually the location in Nolensville: I order 5 medium tenders, a side of fries, and a coke.

If I had a favorite meal, this would be right up there competing for the top spot. I’m by no means seeking a sponsorship, but if they offered, I would write a weekly column singing the praises of this fine establishment.

To me, it’s more than a meal: it’s a Black-owned business that treats its customers like family, and they put out a high quality product. Every single time I walk in the door, I feel so welcomed by the staff.

They’re so incredibly kind and you can tell they put love into what they do.

The combination of the wonderful staff and the incredible food make it a MUST to experience, game day or not, but on game day, there’s nothing better than frequenting this fine and iconic Nashville establishment for Predators fans.

Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; A general view of hockey fans along Broadway before game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; A general view of hockey fans along Broadway before game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Predators play in what I would consider the BEST arena in professional sports, Bridgestone Arena, but the location couldn’t be more perfect. I mean, just look at the picture above. You’ve got honkey tonks, bars, and eateries galore, and everything just seems to converge perfectly towards Bridgestone.

The big thing for me is the overall vibe on Broadway before and after a game, especially after a win, but even after a loss.

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The fans of the Predators are some of the best around, and after a win the celebration and energy that pours into Broadway is electric.

Even after a loss, there’s a sense of optimism and hope, a belief in the team that is unrelenting. That, to me, is a big part of what makes Smashville the special place that it is, and what makes the Predators fans truly incredible.

Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators fans cheer against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators fans cheer against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators /

Nashville Predators

Speaking of fans, where would we be without Cell Block 303? Section 303 is home to the rowdy and raucous captains of chaos: Cell Block 303. Ever wonder where the chants come from (or started)? Cell Block 303. Leading the fans in ripping the goalie (or sometimes the defenseman who snubbed your team *cough* Suter *cough*) is their specialty, but MANY of the other chants and taunts come from the section, and the Warden, Mark.

The Predators are known across the league for having some of the loudest and most passionate fans in the NHL, and that’s due in large part to this group of leaders that bring the energy night in and night out. You can’t be grateful this holiday season for such an amazing fanbase without shouting out where it all starts.

NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 22: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators and Paul Byron #41 of the Montreal Canadiens chase a loose puck during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 22: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators and Paul Byron #41 of the Montreal Canadiens chase a loose puck during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

I would be remissed if I didn’t give special attention to the best PA in the business and the maestro virtuoso of the Predators: Paul McCann and Krazy Kyle. The combination of the two is truly elite, and what they contribute to the fan experience is second to none.

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If I could change Siri or Google’s voice to Paul’s, I would. I mean, I wish I had Paul as my daily alarm clock. You can’t hear that voice and NOT be energized and ready to rock. The enthusiasm and the passion are ever-present, and it’s why we can’t help but say “THANKS PAUL.” On the other end of this duo is Krazy Kyle. Tickling the ivories in music city is no easy task, but he does so masterfully, and gets the fans going in his own way. These two are truly special to the Predators fans’ experience.

NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 25: Goalie Chris Mason #30 of the Nashville Predators warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars at the Bridgestone Arena on February 25, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 25: Goalie Chris Mason #30 of the Nashville Predators warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars at the Bridgestone Arena on February 25, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Not every fan can make it into Bridgestone Arena on game day, and though we wish every game was a home game, there are away games too. When that is the case, the go-to play-by-play Broadcasters for me are Will Daunic and Chris Mason. Nevermind the fact that the FSTN broadcast is just better than NBC Sports (I mean, how many years will it take for NBC to get a SOG counter…we want SO LITTLE): these two make you feel like you’re in the arena, even when you’re watching from home.

Mason is a former Predator, and very deserving of our love for his playing career alone, and Willy is a Nashville sports staple in his own right, and the combination of the two is play-by-play magic. They make the game easy to understand, you always know where to be looking to never miss a second of the action, and they do their own thing to energize fans whether you’re at a watch party or on your couch. They are quintessential heralds for the Predators fans’ experience.

That’s it! There are the Seven Specialties of Smashville. Many of them, we can’t yet enjoy in person, but hopefully we will again soon. I for one am so excited for when that day will come. In the meantime, stay safe, remind your loved ones how important they are to you, and may your Christmas and Holiday season be full of blessings. Let’s hope the new year brings excitement to the team, and as always, GO PREDS!

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