Archive for November 16th, 2007
Let’s stay Pred-a-tors!
I thought the familiar Sommet Center cheer (above) deserved a slight modification this afternoon. After two months of back and forth negotiations that served as excruciating theater for Preds fans, the city and the prospective ownership group announced today that they have a deal. David Freema’s statement included the following words that had to sound good for a host of hockey fans in Middle Tennessee:
“Our group wishes to thank the fans for their continued support, patience and enthusiasm for Predators hockey. This club has been playing great hockey this month. The Preds are undefeated in their last seven games and have climbed into fourth place in the Western Conference.
“We hope that we can simply play our own small role in the long term of success and prosperity of the Predators hockey club and the City of Nashville. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this experience.”
There are hurdles left to clear, including Sports Authority, Metro Council and NHL approval, but I think the outlook for the transaction is looking bright at this point. If nothing else, as I told a few people back in September, once a deal emerges from the thorough hands of Mayor Dean and his administration, it will be as thoughtful and as practical a deal as it can be. I’ve said before that Dean impresses me as practical and reasonable above all else, and I think his handiwork here is poised to serve the city and its hockey franchise well for years to come.
