Swedish defenseman Matthias Ekholm is an underappreciated performer in the league, but those in the know consider him to be a star defender playing in the shadow of some other bigger personalities. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 13: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators poses for his official headshot on Septemat Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. One of the most special concerts I ever attended was a Second Harvestsongwriter show at the Ryman, and I still remember seeing Coldplay at AmSouth Amphitheater.” Considering that AmSouth (known by most Nashville natives as Starwood) was bulldozed back in 2007 when many of the current Predators were still playing for their neighborhood Mighty Mite hockey clubs, Hamhuis is definitely a font of institutional knowledge for his team. “I was a country music fan before I got here, and I remember seeing Zac Brown at the Wildhorse Saloon way back when. Some of his favorite memories are of shows he attended when he was still a young new player in the league living in Nashville. “I’ve gotten to see the city as a visiting player through the years, and my teammates would always ask me where to go when we were in town.” The cagy veteran kept up with all the changes in Nashville while he was consorting with the enemy. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)ĭan Hamuis started his NHL career as a Predator from 2003-2010, but he only recently returned to the team after playing in Vancouver and Dallas. NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 13: Dan Hamhuis #5 of the Nashville Predators poses for his official headshot on Septemat Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. “I went to the Avenged Sevendust show at the ‘Stone, and they absolutely rocked!” There’s a lot to do downtown that isn’t a honky tonk, but I do like the new places opened by all the country stars like FGL House, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentleyand Blake Shelton.”Įllis also attended the recent concert by his fellow Canadian Drake (“He always puts on a good show,”) but his favorite performance recently was a little harder than the Toronto rapper. His musical tastes are quite varied: “I’m not a huge country guy, but I always tell visitors that they need to see a show at the Ryman. The long-time Predator stalwart recently signed a huge contract in the offseason, ensuring that he’ll be around for several more years to attend shows in Music City. Josi’s usual defensive linemate is Ryan Ellis, a steady performer with a beard that strikes terror into the hearts of anyone who might hand him a bowl of soup. Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 13: Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators poses for his official headshot on Septemat Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. RealSport101 is supported by its audience. 87 Wrist Shot Power, Deking, AgilityĨ7 Balance, Strength, Body Checking, Aggressiveness, Slap Shot Power 85 Wrist Shot Power, Body Checking, Balance, Acceleration, Stick CheckingĨ6 Stick Checking, Balance, Slap Shot Power, Aggressiveness, Body Checking, StrengthĨ8 Slap Shot Power. 88 Body Checking, Strength, BalanceĨ5 Defensive Awareness, Shot Blocking, Stick Checking, Acceleration, Agility, Balance, Speed, Slap Shot Power, Wrist Shot Power, Aggressiveness, Body Checking, Durability, StrengthĨ6 Agility, Slap Shot Power. 85 Body Checking, Durability, Strength, Acceleration, Agility, Speed, Balance, Deking, Hand-EyeĨ9 Aggressiveness. 85 Defensive Awareness, Shot Blocking, Discipline, Poise, Balance, Endurance, Slap Shot Power, Wrist Shot Power, Strengthĩ0 Aggressiveness. 87 Slap Shot Power, Agility, AccelerationĨ7 Stick Checking. 89 Shot Blocking, Balance, StrengthĨ7 Slap Shot Power, Acceleration, Agility, SpeedĨ8 Speed, Discipline.
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