To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hockey Fights Cancer, the NHL will be sharing stories of those in the hockey world impacted by the disease on the 25th of each month all season long. Today, the story of Nashville Predators locker room attendant Craig “Partner” Baugh.
NASHVILLE -- There are some people you meet in life that you can’t help but enjoy being in their presence.
They leave an indelible mark on everyone they meet because of their kindness and perspective. One of them is Nashville Predators locker room attendant Craig “Partner” Baugh, beloved by players and coaches throughout the NHL.
Baugh has been with the Predators since they debuted in the NHL in the 1998-99 season, doing everything from laundry to setting up the bench before games. He helps out with the visiting teams at Bridgestone Arena on practice and game days, and his booming, friendly voice and loving personality have impacted countless members of the hockey community.
The 59-year-old has learning and physical disabilities, but doesn’t let that stop him from being an integral part of the hockey community in Nashville and across the NHL. He refers to everyone as “Buddy” and often ends his conversations with “I love you.”
That love was reciprocated in the fall of 2022 when Baugh was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Predators equipment manager Pete Rogers was heading into the bathroom during Nashville training camp when he heard Baugh complaining he couldn’t urinate despite being in front of a urinal.
Thanks to Rogers’ raising the alarm and early detection, Baugh was tested and found to have slow-moving prostate cancer.
Through a connection with Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea, Baugh was able to eventually have surgery performed in August and have the tumor removed.
He was back with the Predators for the start of this season.
“He’s always there having a good time, enjoying being around, and it really cheers you up,” Nashville center Ryan O'Reilly said. “No matter what kind of mood you’re in, you’re happy to see him and I think he’s happy to see you as well. He’s a special person that everyone loves. It’s so good for the game of hockey and for both teams. Whoever is in town or us seeing him every day, he’s just someone we love having around.”