News

The Nashville Jr. Predators are excited to announce the partnership with Thompson Machinery as the official Jersey Sponsor for NJP!

For the past 18 seasons, families and local businesses have sponsored and supported our mission to help our players achieve their dreams and pursue their passion by sponsoring players, coaches, events, equipment, etc. Every contribution has gone directly to support our families through our Financial Aid Program or fundraising events.

Thompson Machinery has taken this commitment to the next level and will provide financial support for our program through the 2025-2026 season further giving our families and players access to some of the best training, mentorship, and resources provided within youth hockey.

Kristen Bowness, Nashville Jr. Predators Board President and Youth Hockey Director for Ford Ice Center shares, "this opportunity to partner with Thompson Machinery is a huge boost for our hockey community so that we may stabilize season fees and help support our families as they continue their journey to develop their skills, but also build on their passion beyond the game of hockey."

"We are excited to partner with the Jr. Predators, who are providing lifelong memories to their players and families while using hockey to teach many valuable life lessons,” says De Thompson, V, Chairman and CEO of Thompson Machinery. “Supporting the Jr. Predators allows us to play a small role in shaping our youth into our future leaders, which aligns with our core values and our mission in building stronger communities.”

The Nashville Jr. Predators’ partnership with Thompson Machinery will only strengthen our ability to serve our mission and we are extremely grateful for this partnership.

Go Preds!

NJP Tier I (AAA) Boys Announces National-Bound Coaching Staff for 2024-25 Season & Tryouts Dates

Nashville, TN – As the program prepares for the Southeastern District Tournament in two weeks, the Nashville Jr. Predators proudly announce our Tier I (AAA) National-Bound (13O-18U) Coaching Staff for the 2024-25 season!

This upcoming season’s coaching staff comprises full-time, dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds, ranging from NHL playing experience to grassroots development. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars in the coaching world, the program is proud to continue its tradition of competing for the SE District Championships and, more importantly, advancing athletes in and beyond the game! 


Additionally, tryouts for the 2024-25 Season will be held over two weekends in April in Nashville, TN. See below for the dates and registration link. 

REGISTER HERE

April 13-14, 2024: 13O (2011)

April 27-28, 2024: 14U (2010), 15O (2009), 16U (2008), 18U (2007/2006)

If you have questions about the upcoming season or the registration process, please contact Dustin Henry (dhenry@tphacademy.com) and/or Teddy Rotenberger (trotenberger@tphacademy.com). Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the 12U & younger tryout registration links, dates, and the 2024-25 Season Prospectus release!


JP Dumont

13O AAA (2011) Head Coach

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, JP Dumont had a 12-year NHL career playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, and the Nashville Predators. JP played in over 870 NHL games, recording 557 points. Coach Dumont has been a part of the Nashville hockey scene for the last sixteen seasons as an NHL player, youth coach, and junior coach. In addition to his coaching role, JP is the Director of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Ike Zeier

14U AAA (2010) Head Coach

Ike, raised in Brentwood, Tennessee, is an alumnus of the Nashville Jr. Predators, having played six years for the organization. He serves as an Assistant Coach for the 16U & 18U teams. Ike achieved a Southeastern District championship with TPH Thunder in 2016 and participated in the USA Select Festival Camp in Buffalo, NY, the same year. He was a lead skill instructor for the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights, working with ages 8U to 18U AAA. His coaching roles extend to the 12U Jr. Golden Knights as an 18U AAA Jr. Knights assistant coach. Ike’s impact in Las Vegas included contributing to player development through private instruction across various skill levels. Ike is entering his second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Teddy Rotenberger

15O AAA (2009) Co-Coach

Raised in Huntsville, AL, Teddy is an alumnus of NJP and serves as the Tier I Director. Teddy captained NJP teams to appearances in the 2013 and 2014 USA Hockey National Championship Tournament, winning a Bronze Medal in 2013 (U16 AAA). Before beginning his NCAA career at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Teddy played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He received a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Supply Chain Management & Logistics from UAH. Teddy is entering his fifth season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Zeke Zeier

15O AAA (2009) Co-Coach

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Zeke Zeier pursued a hockey career, playing AAA hockey for TPH Thunder and spending two years in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He continued his athletic journey at Bethel University, where he competed in the NCAA Division III. Transitioning from player to professional, Zeke ventured into various roles within the hockey industry. He gained experience in operations, coaching, and player development while working with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Vegas Jr Golden Knights in Las Vegas, Nevada. Zeke is entering his second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Michael Berra

16U AAA (2008) Head Coach

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Mike has spent the last six years with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL). During that time, he has served as a Scout, Assistant Coach, and currently as the Director of Player Development. Coach Berra has also spent six years with Synergy Hockey Skills as the Director of Hockey and Lead Instructor and 10 years with the St. Louis AAA Blues as a Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Mike is entering his third season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Robby Murray

18U & 16U AAA Assistant Coach

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Robby is a Nashville Jr. Predators alumnus and a graduate of the TPH Academy Nashville. He played five years for NJP, winning two SE District Championships and the Tier 1 Elite League (T1EHL) Championship in 2021. In addition to his role with NJP, he is currently attending the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, working towards a degree in Business Administration. Robby is entering his third year coaching and second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.


Kevin Muller

18U AAA (2006/2007) Head Coach

Coach Muller joins the Nashville Jr. Predators organization after seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program. He worked as the Executive Director of Excel Hockey Academy and as a Skill Development Professional, training some of the top athletes in the world at the professional, collegiate, junior, and AAA levels. Kevin brings 21 years of AA and AAA team coaching experience at the bantam and midget levels. Over the past three seasons coaching 16U, Kevin has advanced players to the USNTDP, USHL, NAHL, BCHL, QMJHL, OHL, and Division I. Kevin has made a name for himself by blending his passion for hockey and technology. In 2006, he founded the online coaching platform HockeyShare and was one of the first coaches to use online video to train athletes and teach coaches worldwide. Kevin is entering his first season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

Muller Joins NJP as 18U AAA Head Coach for 2024-25

Nashville, TN – February 2nd, 2024 | The Nashville Jr. Predators are proud to announce the hiring of Kevin Muller as the new Boys 18U AAA Head Coach for the 2024-25 season. Kevin brings an extensive coaching background and a proven track record of success to the organization!

 

Joining the NJP after seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, Muller has demonstrated his ability to not only develop high-caliber athletes but build a top tier program. As the Executive Director of Excel Hockey Academy in Pittsburgh and a Skill Development Professional, Kevin has left an indelible mark on the hockey community, training top athletes at various levels.

 

Teddy Rotenberger, Nashville Jr. Predators Boys Tier I Director, expresses his excitement about Kevin Muller joining the NJP Coaching Staff: “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin and his family to Nashville and to the Nashville Jr. Predators. His wealth of experience and a strong focus on character development along with innovative approach to coaching align perfectly with our organization’s values. Kevin’s track record of success and commitment to player advancement make him an excellent fit for our 18U AAA team. We look forward to witnessing his positive impact on our players and the entire NJP community.”

 

Kevin’s coaching legacy includes 21 years of AA and AAA team coaching at the Bantam and Midget levels. Over the past three seasons coaching 16U, he achieved an outstanding .658 win percentage, propelling players to prestigious leagues such as the USNTDP, USHL, NAHL, BCHL, QMJHL, OHL, and DI College Hockey.

 

Kevin’s passion for hockey and technology led to founding the online coaching platform HockeyShare, in 2006. The platform has since become a staple in hockey coaching, used by professional, collegiate, junior and youth programs worldwide.

 

Please help us welcome Kevin and his family to Nashville! Stay tuned for further information regarding a full coaching staff announcement and information regarding tryouts for the 2024-25 season.

A special send-off from the big guys: Nashville Jr. Predators to play in elite tournament

We are proud to share some exciting news about our 12U AAA team. Our talented bunch is set to embark on a thrilling journey to the Pee Wee Quebec International Tournament—an honor that reflects their dedication and skill on the ice.

The journey began with a heartwarming send-off from our local heroes, the Nashville Predators. Imagine the thrill as our Jr. Predators and their families were treated to a memorable morning at Bridgestone Arena, where they witnessed the Predators in action. The joy and excitement captured on video truly showcase the special moment shared between our aspiring stars and their NHL counterparts.

Program director JP Dumont aptly described the magnitude of this prestigious event. “Every country sends teams there,” Dumont emphasized. “It’s going to be over a hundred teams playing in that tournament.”

Having experienced this tournament himself during his youth, Dumont highlighted its significance. “It’s literally one of the biggest events for youth hockey in Canada,” he shared, underlining the honor bestowed upon our team.

Following an invigorating practice session, our Jr. Predators were in for a surprise as they entered the Lexus Lounge. A pep talk awaited them, accompanied by new jerseys and gear, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey ahead.

“It’s just a very exciting feeling that we get to go play in the big arena with the big crowds and stuff, and it’s an honor to do it,” remarked 12-year-old Austin Reigle, echoing the team’s enthusiasm.

With aspirations to shine on the international stage, players like Reigle and Blake Simpson are geared up for the challenge. Simpson expressed confidence, stating, “Always a little nervous, but we think we can hold our own against these big top teams in Canada so that it will be fun.”

The “Big Preds” support further fuels our Jr. Predators’ spirits. Several Nashville Predators players, including Dante Fabbro, reminisced about their experiences in the same tournament during their youth. Fabbro shared his well-wishes, recalling fond memories and emphasizing the rarity and excitement of such opportunities.

February holds the key to this extraordinary expedition as our Jr. Predators gear up for the tournament in Canada—an experience that promises to be once-in-a-lifetime.

The anticipation is palpable as our team eagerly prepares to represent Nashville internationally. Stay tuned for updates as our Jr. Predators make us proud in February!

Introducing P4 Hockey

Nashville Jr. Predators Unveil Innovative Program for AAA Youth Hockey Club


Nashville, TN – August 24, 2023 – The Nashville Jr. Predators are proud to unveil their groundbreaking initiative, P4 Hockey, a team-building program developed specifically for our AAA players. P4 Hockey is built to optimize team building and personal development within the club, emphasizing the four P’s: Players, Purpose, Performance, and Pressure!

 

Led by Lincoln Lakoff, a hockey parent and visionary, P4 Hockey draws inspiration from his extensive experience in leadership and business. The program originated as a Leadership Academy in Lakoff’s wholesale distribution business, aimed at nurturing young individuals’ leadership abilities and fostering effective teamwork. With over four decades of professional experience, Lakoff has successfully translated these principles into the sports arena, presenting young athletes with tools to excel on and off the ice.

 

The program’s essence is guiding our Players to discover and define their Purpose, while Performing at their best under Pressure, “P4 is not just about hockey; P4 is designed to help our young athletes prepare to navigate life beyond the game of hockey,” stated Lakoff passionately.

 

P4 Hockey had its maiden voyage with the 12U AAA (2010) team during the 2022-23 season, and the response from players, parents, and coaching staff was overwhelmingly positive. Buoyed by this success, the coaching staff worked closely with Coach Lakoff over the summer to refine the program and enhance their communication skills to bolster the players’ experience further. 

 

Malakai Hogan, Nashville Jr. Predators 13O AAA team player, shared his perspective on the program’s impact. “P4 helped me and my team to set expectations and develop stronger mental toughness during games and practices. Coach Lakoff taught me to strive to be the best I could be and to hold myself accountable for my actions and effort,” explained Hogan.

 

Sandi Hogan, a parent of Malakai, praised the holistic approach of P4 Hockey. “As a hockey parent, of course, I want to see athletic gains throughout the season, but sometimes we overlook the other areas that are just as, if not more than, important, like mental strength/health. P4 helped teach important lessons that these athletes can use their whole lives, on and off the ice. I’m grateful for NJP’s commitment to coaching the whole athlete, not just the physical but also the mental aspect, and encouraging team-building activities through P4.”

 

The Nashville Jr. Predators are committed to nurturing their players’ integrity, character, and leadership skills, ensuring they can compete at the highest level while becoming well-rounded individuals!



NJP Girls Tryout Announcement

The Nashville Jr Predators are looking forward to another great season! We are excited to share information on the Tier II Girls Tryouts for the 2023-2024 season. Tryouts will be on June 3-5, 2023 at Ford Ice Center – Bellevue for 14U, 16U and 19U age divisions.  We are committed to providing the best possible hockey experience while competing at the highest levels and instilling integrity, character, and leadership within all of our players. Further information on tryouts and the upcoming season’s prospectus are to come.

Click here to register for Nashville Jr. Predators Girls Tryouts!

2023-24 JR PREDATORS GIRLS TRYOUT SCHEDULE

June 3-5: VIEW HERE

Tier II Tryout and Coaches Announcement

The Nashville Jr Predators are looking forward to another great season. As tryouts are right around the corner, we are excited to share information on tryouts and the Tier 2 coaching staff for the 2023-2024 season. Tryouts for Tier 2 AA teams will begin April 24-25 for 10U, 12U, 13U, and 14U age divisions and May 10-11 for 16U and 18U age divisions (following 15U, 16U, and 18U AAA tryouts)!

Among some familiar faces, we are happy to announce Josh Pruiksma, Max Zwierlein, and Chris Orem as new coaches for our Tier 2 staff this upcoming year. We are committed to providing the best possible hockey experience while competing at the highest levels and instilling integrity, character, and leadership within all of our players.

Please see below for information on tryouts and coaching assignments for the 2023-2024 season!

Click here to register for Nashville Jr Predators Tier II Tryouts.

Click here for the 16U/18U Tier II Tryouts Schedule.

*8U Development Evaluations will take place in August 2023. For more information, please contact Zach Jackson (zjackson@totalpackagehockey.com) or Tim McAllister (tmcallister@totalpackagehockey.com).

 

8U Development Program
Full Time 8U Coach: Tim McAllister


10U Blue:

Head Coach: Josh Pruiksma


10U Gold:

Head Coach: Jesse Kessler


12U Blue:

Head Coach: Max Zwierlein


12U Gold:

Head Coach: Dallas Derr


 13U AA:

Head Coach: Chris Orem


14U AA:

Head Coach: Zach Jackson


16U AA:

Head Coach: James Gately


U18 AA:

Head Coach: Tom Murphy