The NHL’s Predators honor Nashville shooting victims with helmet stickers and a minute’s silence — after defenseman Ryan McDonagh skipped the team’s trip to Boston with his three daughters after school closed
The Nashville Predators honored the victims of the fatal Tennessee school shooting with some helmet stickers, a moment of silence, and a 2-1 win over the Bruins in Boston on Wednesday as the region continues to recover from the tragedy.
Defenseman Ryan McDonagh played in the game, hitting an assist for the Predators, after skipping the team’s trip to Boston.
He had already stayed home on Monday, to be with his three young daughters in the shaky community.
The day after a fatal shooting at an elementary school in Nashville left six dead, including three children, McDonagh caught a commercial flight bound for Boston.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time he’s been fired. When you have kids and it happens close to home, it’s definitely different, McDonagh said. “Like any parent, you can do anything to help your family and your children.”
The Covenant School Nashville logo is displayed on the back of Rasmus Asplund’s helmet
Defenseman Ryan McDonagh played in the game after skipping the team’s trip to Boston
McDonagh’s daughters – Falan, Murphy and Nola – are all under 9 years old.
“His daughter was close to school — their school was closed,” said coach John Haynes.
“Honestly there are no words you can say after what happened yesterday in Nashville,” said McDonagh.
Just a tragedy for those families and all those affected. You don’t really realize it until you have kids from your point of view and perspective. He said.
McDonagh said it’s not just another game where the Predators beat the NHL’s leading Bruins.
“We felt like we needed to go out and do our job the best we could and sacrifice and just leave it all out there and try to bring a little bit of inspiration to the city of Nashville,” said McDonagh.
Hines spoke to his team about the situation.
“It’s something we’ve talked about with our guys, that we’re on a platform here as professional players and coaches,” he said. “The city of Nashville means a lot to these people. We wanted to make an effort for the first responders, for the people who were involved in the accident — the families, the school. We’re really proud of the guys.
An ambulance leaves Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville
Home lights are dimmed in Boston during a moment of silence for the Nashville victims
The Predators released a statement after the shooting earlier in the week
The Predators and Bruins wore helmet stickers to show support for Covenant School, where three 9-year-old students and three adult staff were killed.
The Bruins also held a minute’s silence in front of the national anthem.
“The Bruins stand with the Nashville Predators in solidarity against gun violence and in support of the Nashville community,” the PA announcer said.
Nashville is trying to advance to the eighth and final playoff spot and has won for only the third time in eight games.
Hines talked to his team about the hours of rest his team could bring to people back home.
“We’ve talked to our guys about it,” he said. Sometimes when things are tough in life – part of the sport, it’s for the players and the people involved in it, but I think for the fans, it’s an opportunity to take a few hours and maybe get away from some of the things in your life. life. This was the message we took in the game.
McDonagh’s daughters – Falan, Murphy and Nola – are all under 9 years old