The Catholic Culture of the National Hockey League: A Unique Perspective

The Nashville Predators: A Catholic Vision of Community Engagement in the NHL

The National Hockey League may not immediately strike one as a bastion of Catholic symbolism, but a closer look reveals the deep ties between the sport and the faith. From the Holy Grail of the Stanley Cup to the Sin Bin penalty box, hockey has its own unique Catholic flair.

In Nashville, the Catholic culture of the team’s management has transformed the Predators into more than just a hockey team. Led by Catholic executives like Tom Cigarran and Sean Henry, the Predators have embraced a commitment to community engagement that rivals even the most devout followers of Pope Francis.

Sean Henry, the team’s president and CEO, has instilled a philosophy of service and giving back that has permeated every aspect of the organization. From encouraging employees to devote 40 hours to community service each year to partnering with organizations like the Young Women’s Christian Association to combat domestic violence, the Predators are more than just a sports team—they are a force for good in the community.

Inspired by the ministry of engagement preached by Pope Francis, Sean Henry and his team have made it their mission to make a positive impact on Nashville and beyond. Whether it’s building schools in Haiti or addressing social issues through programs like AMEND Together, the Predators are leading by example in the world of professional sports.

And it’s not just about philanthropy—the Predators are also fostering dialogue and understanding within their community. Through initiatives like Blue Line Buddies, which connects police officers with at-risk youth, the team is breaking down barriers and building bridges between different groups.

While the NHL may not have an official chaplain policy, the Predators have welcomed chaplains from organizations like Hockey Ministries International to provide spiritual support to the team. And despite not wearing their religion on their sleeves like athletes in other leagues, the Catholic executives of the Predators are leading by example and showing that actions speak louder than words.

So, the next time you watch a Predators game, remember that there’s more to this team than just goals and saves. With their Catholic vision of community engagement, the Nashville Predators are proving that hockey can be about more than just winning—it can be about making the world a better place.