Hockey Tonk in Smashville

The Nashville Predators held their annual gala to raise funds for the Predators Foundation at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night. The theme of this year's gala was "Hockey Tonk" and players, coaches, and guests were dressed in their finest western regalia to enjoy good fellowship and food for a wonderful organization. We in Nashville are fortunate to have a team that places such a high priority on community involvement and the betterment of life. This year, according to Jack Diller, the President of the Foundation, over $300,000 will be distributed to various charitable enterprises in Middle Tennessee.

Here are some photos from the event:

Pete and Claudia Weber with the View

J.P. Dumont and the missus, Laura

Dan Hamhuis, Jordin Tootoo, Peggy and Mark Blake at the blackjack table

With assistant coach Peter Horachek and his wife, Stacy. Notice the pistols that Coach Horachek has. Fortunately, no shots were fired during the course of the event.

Coach Horachek along with Sheila and Terry Crisp.

Predators video coach Robert Bouchard. Bouch is from Montreal. He and J.P. Dumont are the first French Canadian cowboys I have ever met.

The ladies on the floor of the Arena during the event

Wade Belak and the View. We threw down shortly after the picture was taken. (uh, not really)

Predators forward Joel Ward was our guest at our table. A genuinely friendly and down to earth guy.

Scott and Kristie Roland with Joel

Predators play by play announcer Pete Weber and his wife Claudia. Notice the lasso I have with me. I used it on several occasions to rope my wife away from bidding on too many silent auction items.

With Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz. Trotzy always gets into the spirit of these events.

All of the Predator players were there with the exception of the Olympic athletes. All of them are very personable and gracious. Here, forward Ryan Jones is with Kristie and Scott Roland.