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Expectations had been building since the team was eliminated from the playoffs. Speculation among fans was growing. The media was swirling. The pressure, the build-up, all leading to last night’s announcement… Shea Weber… new captain of your Nashville Predators.
Who’d you think I was talking about? :-)
The announcement of a new captain is always greeted with a level of enthusiasm, last night was no exception. The Nashville Predators named Shea Weber the fifth captain in team history at their annual “Skate of the Union” event last night at Bridgestone Arena. The announcement was greeted with a rousing cheer from over a thousand die-hard Pred fans in attendance. The naming of Weber as Captain is notable for a couple of reasons, Weber is the first captain that was drafted and developed by the Predators, and it is a clear signal that he wants to stay in Nashville beyond the contract that expires at the end of the upcoming season. It also shows that Predator management is confident that getting Weber signed is realistic, exciting news indeed for fans of the fang.
Speaking of management, it was a confident Tom Cigarran that addressed Pred Nation last night. The Chairman stated in no uncertain terms that the ownership group was “committed to bringing a Stanley Cup to Nashville.” OK… that’s a standard line, but Cigarran delivered it with passion and commitment, words that are being backed up with actions.
David Poile had quite a few interesting comments as well, the most interesting one in my book was his belief that the team will be looking to redeem themselves after their loss to Chicago in the playoffs. This was a comment made by several players and members of the staff. As a day one season ticket holder, I do not recall that being a prevalent feeling a few months after previous playoff losses. Those words were spoken, but they didn’t ring with the same level of authenticity that these do. I’ve always said that this team seems to play better with a chip on its’ shoulder, there seems to be a big one residing there as of now.
The feeling in Pred Nation is one of extreme optimism, the overwhelming sentiment is that the right moves are being made. Good signings, good internal leadership moves, good decisions with the roster for next season. Season ticket sales are reflecting that optimism. It does appear that the mess of the Summer of 2007 is firmly, finally, behind this team… the franchise is looking forward to brighter days with a committed, succesful ownership group, a determined team and an energized fan base that wants to drop the puck now.
A corner turned? It sure feels that way.
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Random Notes
- If it is true… I am quite disappointed at Dan Hamhuis’ comment a few night’s ago at Vancouver’s “Summer Summit” ... frankly, I expected better from him.
- Great piece by Mark Willoughby on his "View from 111" blog… check it out at http://theviewfrom111.blogspot.com/2010/07/short-term-gain-vs-long-term-growth.html
- Today is the annual Prospect Day in the Community. Preds prospects will take a break from development camp and fan out across Nashville this afternoon to pitch in and help out… Prospects will be at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the VA Hospital in Nashville and at the Bellevue Inline Rink... that’s the rink that SlapShot Radio hosted the fund raiser for, the SSR staff will be out there this afternoon as well!
- Depth signing for the Predators today as they announce the inking of free agent blueliner Brett Palin. Palin spent the last five years in the Flames organization.
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