While I would much rather see our local hockey club do the same, it was a pleasure to watch one Tennessee high school lift the 2007 Predators Cup in celebration.
I first caught wind of the game in one of those regular e-mail blasts the Nashville Predators send out announcing various fan promotions and upcoming games. The only two words I really needed to see were "free" and "hockey," so Samantha and I went down to the Nashville Arena.
The finalists were Bearden High School from out toward Knoxville, and John Paul II from here in the Nashville area. Both teams had played through tournament games this week at the Southern Ice Arena in Franklin, right in JP II's backyard.
Bearden leapt out to a one nothing lead about midway through the first 13 minute period, but it was all JP II for the rest of the game. Balance seemed to elude most of the forwards on both sides, but I would imagine that comes with more experience through college and minor programs, if they stick with it.
The exciting aspect of this match up compared with a typical pro game is how unpredictable it is. For example, an NHL team will cycle below the net until the right pairing is established and then attempt a centering feed to the shooter. If the shot is blocked, the play descends into trying to re-establish possession to try the same plan again. These boys tried some of that, but puck possession never really allowed for too many passes, instead leaving a puck right inside the zone, ripe for another forward to pick it up and try to make a play. Most of the goals we saw (a free event allows you to be right on the glass) were usually the product of the puck sliding undetected by the goalie right on the ice.
John Paul II finished the game with a 5-1 win, with the celebration briefly tarnished by a bit of frustrations as time expired. Then again, it is a hockey game. Coach Barry Trotz of the Predators presented the trophy, and an outstanding afternoon excursion came to a close. I am looking forward to next year's event.
As tickets to the Predators / Stars game were sold out, I am enjoying the rest of the evening in front of the television.