After illustrious careers in the NHL, the Nashville Predators began installing their Golden Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Former general manager David Poile and former players Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber were the inaugural members to be honored.
Poile was the franchise’s lone GM up until the end of the 2022-23 season. He’s the all-time winningest manager of an NHL team with 1,533 victories. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame back on Nov. 11 in Toronto.
Nashville was able to pick up win number 1,000 as a franchise on Tuesday evening against the Vegas Golden Knights and Poile couldn’t have been happier.
“How cool is that? Did you see that stat that went along with that? Second quickest franchise in NHL history to do that,” Poile said. “I am very proud of that. I know we haven’t won the big prize, we will one day.”
The 74-year-old is elated to go into the Golden Hall with Rinne and Weber. Two homegrown players that he took a chance on and they became All-Stars for the Predators.
“This is kind of it today, this is the end of David Poile with the Predators other than being an advisor,” Poile said. “It’s so fitting to go in with guys like Pekka and Shea. You talk about defining moments in your franchise. When you have defining moments you have defining players and these two guys were the defining players.”
Pekka Rinne
Back when the Finnish goalie got his start in 2004 at the Nashville development camp, then-goalie coach Mitch Korn had keen eyes for Rinne from the jump.
“There were five goalies at development camp and I was on the ice at the far end and all of the scouts and coaches were on my end on the glass watching what’s going on,” Korn said.
“When we finished they were going to do all of the drills and I was going to leave the ice. There was a side door and I went over and standing waiting for me was coach Barry Trotz. We looked at each other and both said at the same time ‘That’s the one.’ He turned out to be the one, pointing at Pekka and it turned out to be great for the franchise.”
Rinne had 369 wins as a member of the Predators organization, a record that stands today and is currently being tested by Juuse Saros. Throughout his time with the team, Rinne was part of numerous playoff runs and helped take the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
Today, he’s one of the development coaches and scouts overseas to see what other talent is out there to help make the Predators a better franchise. The longtime goalie announced toward the end of his speech that he and his girlfriend Erika Parkko are expecting their second child.
Rinne expressed his gratitude to Poile for taking a chance on him in the draft and then turning pro with Weber at the same time.
He had a message for the current team that was in attendance for the luncheon.
“I miss this game every single day. When you play the game and you’re on the ice you’re so focused on what’s ahead and what’s in the present moment that you don’t really always appreciate it when you have it,” Rinne said.
“Now that everything is said and done and I’m retired, I still miss the game every single day. It’s the best game in the world and you understand how lucky you were to play the game and play with and against the best players in the world. I didn’t understand that until I retired.”
Shea Weber
Nashville’s captain from 2010-2016 was one of the pinnacles of the team during his 11-year stint with the Predators. He was revered for his strength and ability to fire howitzers from the blue line.
Weber and Poile were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame back in November and now go into the Golden Hall at the same time.
David Poile looks on as Shea Weber puts on his Golden Hall jacket. pic.twitter.com/dMN63H0c0i
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) January 15, 2025
“Nashville has become a second home. Every time I come back here I get emotional. I have two kids who were born here and I grew up here. The people and fans here – it’s an amazing spot.” Weber said.
The former defenseman had a few remarks for Rinne, whom he protected on the ice for the majority of his time in Nashville. It’s a bond that goes back to when Weber first came to training camp and got to know his new teammates.
“Any time I call you, it doesn’t matter what time it is, you always pick up the phone. You’re truly a genuine guy that I think everyone knows,” Weber said. “You’ll talk to anyone like they’re a friend and treat everyone the same. I’m honored to go in with a great friend such as yourself.”
Weber, much like Rinne, had a message for the current players in attendance.
“I miss it so much and I want you guys to realize that it goes by quick and when it goes by it’s not there anymore,” Weber said. “I love being around all my ex-teammates and guys that played before us that paved the way. Enjoy it, it goes by quickly and before you know it you’ll be coaching your kids.”
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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