Learning to Play Hockey as an Adult at Nashville Predators Ford Ice Center

From the Radio Booth to the Ice at Ford Ice Center

Growing up outside with ice skating experience and years of attending NHL games, Daugherty had never actually played organized ice hockey until participating in the summer program at age 31. Unlike the current roster of Predators players who typically began skating in full gear at age four, or many members of the local Smashville community who grew up playing over the past three decades, Daugherty attended a school without a hockey team as an undersized kid. That barrier ended this summer when the franchise offered its Adult Learn To Play Hockey Class, bringing together 40 adult men and women who shared a passion for the sport but lacked early-playing opportunities.

On-Ice Training and Progression Under Nick Beaudette

The eight-week program kicked off with a gear fitting and equipment delivery day. Every participant received a complete hockey bag containing skates, a stick, a helmet, gloves, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, and hockey socks. Meeting for eight straight Sundays, the group began with basic skating techniques before advancing toward game-style hockey drills.

Led by Ford Ice Center adult hockey coordinator Nick Beaudette and a sizable group of coaches, the curriculum covered:

• Basic skating mechanics and stopping techniques
• Edge work, transitions, and backward skating
• Crossovers, passing accuracy, and shooting mechanics
• In-game positioning and strategic execution during three concluding scrimmage days

Daugherty noted entering the class as an experienced ice skater who lacked hockey-specific stopping ability, proper gear familiarity, and backward skating skills. As the weeks progressed, large subgroups frequently utilized stick time and open hockey sessions across Nashville’s rinks to accelerate their development.

Bridging the Community and Local Rinks

The program serves as a direct pipeline into Ford Ice Center’s established adult hockey leagues, opening the sport to participants who often have children or family members already playing in Predators leagues. With co-ed and women’s hockey classes rotating regularly, the initiative demonstrates that ice hockey functions as a lifelong activity suitable for individual stick time or group open hockey sessions.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.