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Music City Season End Showdown (AAA/AA) March 3rd-5th, 2023
Music City Season-End Showdown
March 3rd-5th, 2023
Ford Ice Center Bellevue7638 Highway 70 South, Nashville, TN SCHEDULE STANDINGS SCORES PLAYER STATS GOALIE STATS VIEW ALL TOURNAMENT STANDINGS AND SCORES VIEW ALL TOURNAMENT STANDINGS AND SCORES
Tier I Tryout Announcement
The Nashville Jr Predators are excited to announce the tryout dates for the Tier I (AAA) teams for the 2023-24 season! The 15O/16U/18U tryouts will be hosted over the weekends of May 6-7. The weekend dates and the designated team’s tryout are listed below. To see our recent Tier I Coaching Staff announcement, CLICK HERE.
Tryout Dates:
May 6-7, 2023: 15O (2008) / 16U (2007) / 18U (2005)
Tier I Coaching Staff for 2023-24 Season
The Nashville Jr. Predators are excited to announce the Boys Tier I Coaching Staff for the 2023-24 Season! Our coaching staff was assembled to balance playing and coaching experience with a focus on character development to advance our athletes in and beyond the game of ice hockey!
11U AAA (2012) Patrick Murray
Patrick grew up playing hockey in his hometown, Rochester, NY, where he spent thirteen seasons playing in the Webster Cyclones Youth Hockey Program. From there, he played a season of Junior A hockey for the Syracuse Stampede. Following the Stampede, Patrick attended SUNY Canton and earned a degree in Sports Business Management which led him to a job with the Nashville Predators Youth Hockey programs. Pat has been a private skills coach here in Nashville since 2017 and has been a Head Coach within the Nashville Jr. Predators for the past three seasons.
12U AAA (2011) Greg Austin – Head Coach
Greg Austin is originally from Nova Scotia and has been a part of Hockey Canada and USA Hockey as a coach for 25 years. Team levels coached include ACHA Division I as an Assistant Coach at Ohio University; Midget AAA with the Valley Wildcats as Head Coach in the Nova Scotia AAA league; Tri-State Spartans as Head Coach/GM of the 18U AAA, and most recently, the 15O AAA team both teams playing as members of the NAPHL.
Greg has a Master’s and a Ph.D., both from Ohio University and was a college professor for more than fifteen years in the field of Sport Management at various institutions of higher education in Canada and the United States before moving into hockey full-time. Greg is entering his first season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
Tim McAllister – Assistant Coach
Tim is entering his sixteenth season with the Nashville Jr. Predators. He will serve as an Assistant Coach and the Director of the 8U Development Program.
13U AAA (2010) Andy Callaghan
Andy Callaghan, a native of Erie, PA, is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach with fourteen years of experience coaching and mentoring players at multiple levels and age groups, including the collegiate and preparatory school levels. He came to the Nashville Jr. Predators in 2018 after four years at Iowa State University, serving as their associate Head Coach and Director of Recruiting. Andy is entering his fifth season with the Nashville Jr. Predators, having served at the 13U, 14U, 15O, and 16U AAA levels as a Head & Assistant Coach.
14U AAA (2009) Ty Johns
Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Ty played three years of Junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). After his Junior career, Ty played four years at Utah State University, ACHA II going to nationals all four years. He is heading into his eighth season of coaching and is a Level 4 USA Hockey certified coach. Ty is entering his third season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
15O AAA (2008) JP Dumont
Originally from Montreal, Quebec, JP Dumont had a very successful 12-year NHL career playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, and the Nashville Predators. JP has been a part of the Nashville hockey scene for the last fifteen seasons as an NHL player, youth coach, and junior coach. In addition to his coaching role, JP serves as the Director of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Jr. Predators.
16U AAA (2007) Michael Berra
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 Director of Player Development, Assistant Coach, and currently as a Scout. Coach Berra has also spent six years with Synergy Hockey Skills as the Director of Hockey and Lead Instructor and ten years with the St. Louis AAA Blues as a Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Mike is entering his second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
18U AAA (2005/2006) Karlis Zirnis
A native of Riga, Latvia, Zirnis previously served as a coach in the Thunder ‘AAA’ program following his retirement from the professional game in 2010. Since his first stint with NJP, Zirnis has enjoyed coaching stops at junior, collegiate, and international levels. He has captured a Robertson Cup Championship as Head Coach of the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs and has spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach at the NCAA Division I level, first with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and then at his alma mater, the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Additionally, Karlis has coached with the Latvian Hockey Federation since 2014. Zirnis also serves as the Director of Player Personnel for the Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL). Karlis is entering his third season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
Nashville Jr. Predators and Friends Raise Over $30k to Help Teammate Undergoing Cancer Treatment
On April 5th, 2022, Griffin Mangan was midway through his second season with the Jr. Predators 2008 AAA team when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer that can cause cancerous tumors to grow in the bones and the surrounding soft tissue. It affects about 200 people each year, usually children and young adults between the ages of 10 to 20. Luckily, the cancer was detected early and Griffin could begin treatment immediately.
“The diagnosis of any cancer will give better results when detected early,” said Griffin’s father, Sean Mangan. “We are in the middle of the treatment process for this cancer and have been truly grateful for all the outreach and prayers we have received.”
Griffin is not alone in this fight, as the Jr Preds are standing with their #21stMan – an ode to the number he wore on his jersey and the impact that he’s had on the team. The USA Hockey roster size limits teams to 20 players, but with Griffin in their hearts, every Jr. Predators team has a #21stMan.
Over the past few months the NJP Family, hockey world, friends, and family have come together to offer support to their 21st Man both on and off the ice. From Michigan, to New Jersey, to nearly every state in the Southeast, donations have come pouring in. The NJP program, especially Griffin’s 08′ teammates, are pleased to share that they were able to help raise over $30,000 and counting for the Mangan’s and Griffin’s treatment.
When the funds were donated to the Mangan family, Griffin’s father, Sean, shared his gratitude, “Thanks to everyone who has donated to Griffin’s cause. We are truly grateful and humbled by your generosity. Your thoughts and prayers have given us strength.”
The entire Nashville Jr. Predators organization and beyond extend our hearts and well wishes to Griffin and the Mangan family.
The 21st Man
Nashville Jr. Predators Raising Funds for Teammate Undergoing Cancer Treatment
Griffin Mangan was midway through his second season with the Jr. Predators 2008 AAA team when he noticed a sharp pain in his foot. Thinking it must have been some sort of factory defect with his skates, he ordered a new pair hoping it would eliminate the pain.
The new skates and some homemade padding helped for a few games, but the pain in Griffin’s big toe returned within a matter of weeks. As an athlete, Griffin was constantly on the move. It only made sense that the pain was just one of those generic sports injuries that would go away on its own. He’s a tough kid, so a case of turf toe wasn’t anything he couldn’t play through.
A few weeks later the 2008 AAA team was playing a game at Ford Ice Center. Griffin was checked into the boards, causing him to badly injure his arm. Luckily, a teammate’s parent practiced sports medicine and was able to help get X-rays of his arm as well as his nagging foot injury. The diagnosis that came along with the X-rays would change Griffin’s life forever.
On April 5th, 2022, Griffin was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer that can cause cancerous tumors to grow in the bones and the surrounding soft tissue. It affects about 200 people each year, usually children and young adults between the ages of 10 to 20. Luckily, the cancer was detected early and Griffin could begin treatment immediately. He will undergo chemotherapy treatment for the next 7 months to remove the tumor and stop the spread.
“The diagnosis of any cancer will give better results when detected early,” said Griffin’s father, Sean Mangan. “We are in the middle of the treatment process for this cancer and have been truly grateful for all the outreach and prayers we have received.”
Griffin is not alone in this fight, as the Jr Preds are standing with their #21stMan – an ode to the number he wore on his jersey and the impact that he’s had on the team. The USA Hockey roster size limits teams to 20 players, but with Griffin in their hearts, every Jr. Predators team has a #21stMan.
“Having a teammate like Griffin means you have a teammate that will have your back,” says his teammate Hudson Lohse. “He’s loyal, works hard and he always shows up. Now it is our turn to show up for him. He is family and we will bleed gold and blue for him.”
“Griff is a competitive kid who is the ultimate team player,” said his former coach, Tim McAllister. “He was used in all scenarios. The tougher the competition, the better he played and the more he stood out. You get what you ask for with Griff, he’s a great teammate and always played for the front of his jersey. Reliable, caring, versatile.”
The Nashville Jr. Predators are now calling on the entire hockey community to come together and show support for their teammate, friend, and brother, Griffin Mangan. NJP will be selling team gear that proudly displays the number 21 to support the fight with our 21st Man. If you’re looking for an opportunity to support Griffin and the Mangan family, please visit the online fundraising store, all proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to the Mangan family.
Go Preds!
Tier II Tryout Information
The Nashville Jr. Predators are excited for the upcoming Boys Tier II tryouts and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there. We would like to invite everyone to our Jr. Predators Tier II Open House on Monday, April 18th at 7:30 pm CST. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program and know what to expect for tryouts. Click here to register in advance for this the open house.
Boys Tier II Tryout Schedule
Still need to register for tryouts?
2022 USA Hockey Nationals Preview
For many, participating in the USA Hockey National Championships is a goal. This is surely an achievement, but the Jr. Predators players and coaches have higher goals. Many are returning to this national stage and there are several making their first appearance. The goal is to win, catch the attention of the scouts, and make memories. Just last season the 19U Girls almost summited the peak, making the championship of the 19U Tier II Championship. The Jr. Predators have five teams attending this season including the Girls 19U AA, Boys 18U AAA, Boys 18U AA, Boys 15O AAA, and Boys 14U AAA.
Select the links below to follow our teams on their quest for a national title.
USA Hockey National Championship – Girls Tier II 19U
USA Hockey National Championship – Boys Tier II 18U
USA Hockey National Championship – Boys Tier I 18U
USA Hockey National Championship – Boys Tier I 15O
USA Hockey National Championship – Boys Tier I 14U
As the season is concluded for many of our other teams we are also ramping up for tryouts for the 2022-23 season. If you are interested in being part of our organization, you can register for tryouts today:
Boys Tier I Tryouts Registration
Jr. Predators 22-23 Tryout Schedule
Still need to register for tryouts?
Boys Tier I Tryouts Registration
Boys Tier II Tryouts Registration
Boys Tier I 14U Tryout Schedule
Boys Tier I 13U Tryout Schedule
Boys Tier I 12U Tryout Schedule
Boys Tier I 11U Tryout Schedule
Girls Tier II 19U Tryout Schedule
Girls Tier II 16U Tryout Schedule
Girls Tier II 14U Tryout Schedule
Girls Tier II 10U/12U Tryout Schedule
Girls Hockey Program Continues To Grow
The Nashville Jr. Predators are excited to announce Mekenzie Steffen as the Girl’s Director for the Nashville Jr. Predators Girls program in 2022-2023 and beyond. Since Mekenzie came on board with our program, we have worked hand in hand with the Nashville Predators to develop and sustain a foundation for Girls hockey in Nashville that will last for years to come. Mekenzie is a Minnesota native and played Division I hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under hockey legend Mark Johnson. While at Wisconsin, she won a National Championship and was named captain of the team her senior season. This will be Steffen’s second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators Program as she spent her first season coaching our U14 girls team. From the success of the Predators’ Grass Roots Girls initiatives to the NJP Girls Development skates held weekly, to the success of our U19 girls team, the girls demographic within Nashville has exploded.
Heading into the 2022-2023 season, NJP has announced the addition of two new girls teams, doubling the girls’ footprint within the organization. The Nashville Jr. Predators will be adding a 16U and 10U/12U team. Previously, the Jr. Predators have only offered 14U and 19U teams at the Tier II level. The addition of the 16U team will help bridge the gap from the 14U to 19U level, giving more girls the opportunity to be involved and to stay involved within the program.
The Jr. Predators will also be adding a 10U/12U team which will allow for the younger generation to be involved directly after developing within the Grassroots initiatives. We are ecstatic to announce that Jennifer Boniecki will be coaching the 10U/12U team next season. Boniecki has done an incredible job with Preds Girls Hockey out of the Ford Ice Centers here in Nashville. Boniecki has given girls of all ages the opportunity to participate in hockey, at no cost, with the support of the Nashville Predators and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund.
The Nashville Jr. Predators girls program will feature an all-female coaching staff for the 2022-23 season as we look to build upon the success of this past season! More information can be found in our 2022-23 Season Prospectus and if you are interested in trying out, you can register here.