By Jack Woods

In 2017, game one of the second round between the Nashville Predators and the St. Louis Blues was tied at three. On a broken play in front of the Blues bench, Vernon Fiddler pounced on a loose puck and tapped the puck past Jake Allen with one hand on his stick, solidifying the Predators victory and helping them win the series. The following season, Fiddler retired.

This year, Fiddler returned to Nashville with hockey on his mind, but not for him; rather, for his fourteen year old son, Blake. For the Fiddlers, this was their first experience with the Elite Edge program.

Although the city was familiar, Fiddler had little familiarity with the program. “We didn’t know what to expect coming in, but it’s been a first class production since we got here. Very organized, lots of great talent,” said Fiddler. “It’s good for these kids to see how they match up with other kids in other states, and it’s cool to see how these kids talk about where they’re from and how their programs are run.”

Blake loves the atmosphere and creating connections with the other players. “Getting to know all the kids and making all the memories we’re making is my favorite part.”

The coaching staff at this showcase has impressed both Vernon and Blake. Vernon was able to experience the staff up-close, as he served as a coach for one of the older groups. He believes these coaches are beyond well-equipped for this task. “All these coaches and guys who are putting this on have been there. In orientation, they talked about getting to know the coaches and asking them as many questions as you can. It gives [the kids] a gauge on what to work on and where their game is at.”

Blake echoed what his father said. ““Yeah it’s been awesome. The coaches have great knowledge and are giving me great tips. Kids are great, and it’s really fun to be a part of.”

Since Vernon’s stint with the Predators back in 2017, the city of Nashville has cultivated a vibrant curiosity and interest about the sport. What he really appreciates about the city is how they have taken to youth sports. “It sometimes takes communities a little bit of time to get on the map as far as hockey, but Nashville’s done a great job. Obviously, I think the Cup run really helped, and when you have those runs, the kids get really connected to the game and want to play it. It’s not often you come to Nashville for a hockey showcase. It’s great to see how many kids are growing and developing.”

This showcase is special for both Vernon and Blake in their own ways. For Vernon, he gets to pass the love of the sport onto his son. “It’s actually really cool. I’m a first generation hockey player, so I get to turn it over to the second generation and help him out. He loves the game, he’s grown up in the game, so he really had no choice but to love the game because he was chasing me around. And now to see him trying to get into juniors, it’s cool for him to go on trips to Nashville like this. As long as he loves hockey, that’s all that matters to me. That’s all you can ask for, to raise a gentleman off the ice and a warrior on.”

And for Blake, he appreciates his father’s wisdom and passion for the game. “The game means a lot to me and my dad. It’s awesome to have someone with NHL knowledge to give me a heads-up, and what it’s going to be like here and the plays I need to make, having that background knowledge.”