Predators to be Sold

So it's official - the Nashville predators are being sold. I just saw this on the news at the gym today and rushed home to read what I could find out. Basically, there's not much being said yet - you can read an open letter to fans from the current/outgoing owner on the Predator's website. I haven't seen anything about whether the new owner is planning on moving the team or not - it doesn't look like they're going to announce much about that until next month.

HOWEVER... I have found out that if you are a fan and would like to keep the Predators in Nashville, there is something you can do. Check this out from a fellow Preds fan [HT: PredJo]:

Okay, hockey fans. I lost sleep last night over the fact that our (proposed) new owner will certainly have an interest in moving the team from Nashville. So, I called the NHL corporate offices, not expecting them to care of my concern. The operator connected me with someone in their Communications/PR section. I explained I am a passionate hockey fan in Nashville, a long-time season ticket holder, and that I would like to see the NHL do anything it can do to ensure that the team stays in Nashville-be it NOT approving the sale of the team OR in NOT approving a move.

Oddly enough, the man I spoke with said that when Mr. Balsillie proposed to buy the Penguins a year ago, they received countless calls from Pittsburgh fans urging the NHL and the Commissioner to ensure hockey would stay in Pittsburgh. They logged all the calls, and passed a summary of the calls along to the Commissioner. He said that the calls make a difference. On the off chance that the expression of passionate fans about the Nashville Predators might make a difference, would you please take a few minutes and call the NHL corporate offices to express your opinion? And please pass this request along to others.

The number is 212-789-2000

Thanks for your effort.

So it looks like we still have a chance to keep the Preds in town. Please - regardless of whether you live in the Nashville area, would you take a minute and call the number above to express your desire to keep the Predators in Nashville? If nothing else, do it for this displaced Canadian who would go crazy without his hockey fix in the winter...

Nashville bloggers, it's time for you to step up and make some noise! Let's get the word out...

 

Comments

[Kathryn]

there are rumours that the Preds are coming to my home town, Cambridge, Ontario. But of course those are just rumours. The guy who bought out the team is from our neighbouring city, Kitchener, Ontario and this guy just bought significant acreage just outside of town here. . .So, that's the buzz around town. We'll see. I hope for your sake that you'll get to keep 'your' team there! Is it tough in a football town to get the crowds to come out for hockey? I'm hearing that the team is playing well but not drawing the crowds.

[Holly]

PS - It works! A real person just answered the phone and transferred me to another person very quickly. The second guy said they were taking a lot of calls about the Preds and mentioned the same thing happened when this guy tried to buy the Penguins and all the calls stopped it. He said the guy wants to move a team to either Houston, Winnipeg, Oregon or somewhere else that he couldn't remember. So call! You'll be done in under 60 seconds!

[Holly]

First of all, what time in the morning do you go to the gym?!? :-)

Even though I'm not still in Nashville, I did enjoy the games a lot when I was there, so maybe I'll call and help you out. I know I'd hear complaints from a lot more than just you guys if the team does move!

And if that happens, you can always come visit here and watch the Stanley Cup winning Carolina Hurricanes... (not that they are good enough to win it again this year!)