Turris, Preds Set to Celebrate Hockey Is For Everyone Month

When the Predators needed a Hockey Is For Everyone representative two seasons ago, Kyle Turris didn't hesitate.
Prior to his arrival in Nashville via trade in November of 2017, Turris became heavily involved with the Capital City Condors, a family of ice hockey teams for those with developmental disabilities in Ottawa, during his time with the Senators.
The material and emotional impacts felt by Turris, and his wife Julie, were life changing and gave the star centerman a new perspective on giving back to those in need.

It didn't take Turris long to settle in with the Preds after the deal, and high on the to-do list was to get out in the community once more.
"It brought Julie and I so much happiness in Ottawa, just having an opportunity to be a part of the Condors organization, and when we were new to Nashville, we wanted to get involved again," Turris said. "We've gotten to know different groups and people here in town. Just the happiness it brings us being a part of something like Hockey Is For Everyone and maybe being able to put a smile or two on some other people's faces, it's really neat."
An NHL initiative in the month of February, Hockey Is For Everyone uses the game of hockey - and the League's global influence - to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities.
Turris helps to head up the efforts from a Predators perspective in Music City, and with eight more home games before the month concludes, there are plenty of opportunities for fans of the game - whether they possess a game ticket or not - to take part in activities that make hockey one-of-a-kind.
The events begin on Tuesday when the Preds host the Arizona Coyotes. In conjunction with the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the You Can Play Project, the Predators will host their fourth annual Pride Night event.

Preds players will use pride tape during warmups, and special pride jerseys will be auctioned off through the Nashville Predators Foundation. Pride Mystery Pucks will also be for sale during the game at the Foundation area outside of sections 106-107 at Bridgestone Arena.
As the weekend arrives, a slew of events are set to descend upon Nashville to keep the celebration going.
The National Women's Hockey League brings their All-Star festivities to Ford Ice Center and Bridgestone Arena on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with the All-Star Skills Competition and All-Star Game.
Ford Ice Center plays host on Saturday, starting with the Play Like A Girl Leadership Summit that morning. With topics ranging from pay equity to street hockey, this event will use leadership training, mentoring and community building as way to empower and educate young female leaders. Special appearances will be made by a variety of female athletes, sports executives and NWHL All-Stars.
Later that afternoon, members of the NWHL All-Star teams will conduct a hockey clinic for young girls who are enrolled in the Little Preds Learn to Play program. The Skills Competition then follows at 5 p.m. (CT), allowing fans the perfect opportunity to see the best female hockey players on the planet show off their on-ice abilities in an intimate setting.
On Sunday, it's an NHL-NWHL doubleheader at Bridgestone Arena. Following the Predators game against St. Louis at 11:30 a.m., the NWHL All-Star Game will take place at 2:45 p.m. Those attending the Preds game against the Blues are invited to stay for free and enjoy the NWHL event.
In addition to the NWHL's involvement, the American Legacy Black Hockey History Tour, a mobile museum built to celebrate Black History Month, will visit Nashville this weekend.
The 525-square foot museum looks back at the founders, trail blazers, history makers, and Stanley Cup champions; and looks ahead to the next generation of young stars, NHL Officials, broadcasters and women in the game. The mobile museum, presented by the NHL, will be open to the public on Feb. 9 at Ford Ice Center and on Feb. 10 at Bridgestone Arena.

Sunday's Predators game also marks the organization's annual AMEND Together game. AMEND Together is a primary prevention initiative dedicated to ending violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys to change the culture that supports violence. The game, which will also will raise awareness of the crisis of domestic violence in Nashville.
It's been said before that the hockey world - and the people who are a part of it - are first class through and though, wanting nothing more than to share their love of the game.
Want to see that sentiment on display? Look no further than Nashville, Tennessee, in the coming days, a spot that's become just as comfortable with a hockey stick as it is with a six string.