Cookeville Teaming With Preds To Boost Kids Hockey Interest

The Nashville Predators and Cookeville Leisure Services are joining forces to build hockey interest.

Program Coordinator Chris Devore said they set a date for November 13 to get equipment in the hands of kids. Devore said with Cookeville exploring the possibility of an ice rink in the city, it was time to rally the hockey community.

“Trying to get it growing up from there, that would be a start,” Devore said. “I think I would be plenty satisfied on that front, if a rink happens to come out of the efforts or this could eventually flow into supporting a rink in the future, all the better.”

Devore said the hockey day at Cane Creek Gym is for kids, kindergarten through 5th grade. He said basic skills, learning the equipment and even a scrimmage are planned for the event.

Anyone interested in signing up for the event can do so online, on the Cookeville Leisure Services website.

“At this point, just introducing them to the game, would preferably introduce them on ice or inline with some skates,” Devore said. “We’re doing ball hockey this time around but just getting the foundations down at this age is the perfect way to get started and at least build them up in case there are rinks in the future or rinks near by if the kids are interested.”

Devore said there have not been any Predators players confirmed for attending, but the Predators Outreach Team will be in attendance. Devore said that because of his hockey connections, donated equipment has been secured for kids to try out.