Predators to honor veterans during March 19 True Blue Night, Military Salute [+VIDEO]

With cheerleading help, Derek Mason, center, Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders football coach, rides the elliptical machine during the Preds True Blue Night/Military Appreciation event during the NHL Nashville Predators' game March 19 against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Mason served as a fan captain before the start of the game. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s a special night coming up in Bridgestone Arena as the Nashville Predators recognize Middle Tennessee State University students, alumni and veterans for their service.

The annual Preds True Blue Night and Military Salute takes place Tuesday, March 19, with a variety of MTSU-specific activities surrounding the 7 p.m. NHL game between the recently hot Predators and visiting San Jose Sharks.

Derek Mason, second from left, Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders football coach, visits with fans during the Preds True Blue Night/Military Appreciation event during the NHL Nashville Predators' game March 19 against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Mason served as a fan captain before the start of the game. (MTSU photo by James Cessna) — Derek Mason, second from left, Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders football coach, visits with fans during the Preds True Blue Night/Military Appreciation event during the NHL Nashville Predators’ game March 19 against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Mason served as a fan captain before the start of the game. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Tickets remain available, with a special limited edition MTSU-Preds ball cap as part of the online offer.

Some of the activities include:

William "Bill" Phillips, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general — William “Bill” Phillips

National Alumni Board President Debbie Hickerson — Debbie Hickerson

Derek Mason, MTSU football coach named in December 2023 — Derek Mason

• New Blue Raiders football coach Derek Mason will serve as a fan captain before the start of the game, continuing a whirlwind tour across the region since his hiring in early December.

• Distinguished graduate and retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William “Bill” Phillips will be featured as the game night “Mayor of Smashville” before the start of the second period.

• National Alumni Board President Debbie Hickerson plans to ride in a Zamboni, the slow-moving machine that resurfaces the ice before the game and during intermission periods.

• Bill Lickman, an MTSU senior and U.S. Air Force veteran, will be recognized as part of the Military Salute during the game. He is a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

• The MTSU Military Science Department’s ROTC Color Guard will present colors at the start of the game.

• MTSU mascot Lightning will pal around with Gnash, the Predators’ popular counterpart, and pose for photos.

Huber, who served 38 years in the military, said he believes “there exists a very significant military affinity with the sport of hockey.”

Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives — Keith M. Huber

“It is a small team within a totally exposed environment, achieving success only with the combined application of speed, precision and moments of controlled aggression,”

Huber added “The Preds demonstrate the ultimate teamwork.

“Our military community and their families truly appreciate the recognition of their selfless service and the respect for their sacrifices.”

MTSU works with Jason Oxford, an alumnus and Predators’ director of corporate development, to make the evening a success and fun for fans.

The game marks the first of three Ford Military Salute Week games for the Predators. They host the Detroit Red Wings Saturday, March 23, and the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, March 26.

Debbie Hickerson, MTSU National Alumni Board President, rode in a Zamboni, the slow-moving machine that resurfaces the ice before the game and during intermission periods, Tuesday, March 19 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The NHL Nashville Predators hosted True Blue Night/Military Appreciation event. (MTSU PHOTO BY James Cessna) — Debbie Hickerson, MTSU National Alumni Board President, rode in a Zamboni, the slow-moving machine that resurfaces the ice before the game and during intermission periods, Tuesday, March 19 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The NHL Nashville Predators hosted True Blue Night/Military Appreciation event. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

The General’s Fund

Four years ago, the Predators and MTSU announced the creation of The General’s Fund, in honor of Huber, to support military-connected students who struggle financially to reach higher education and career goals and other financial needs.

MTSU and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center are home to about 1,100 student-veterans and family members. The Daniels Center is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee higher education campus. It is named for the late Charlie Daniels, a country music legend and staunch veterans’ supporter.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)