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On September 17, Monday Night Forehand joins the Game! We are pleased to announce a partnership with 102.5 The Game, ESPN Radio Nashville. The official home of the Nashville Predators. Here is what this means for our fans. At 9 p.m. we will still be online at blogtalk radio. Then, at Midnight, the podcast of that night’s episode will air on 102.5. This will be a great way for us to help deliver local Preds talk in as many ways as possible. You can catch the live show, the podcast on iTunes, the stream from www.mondaynightforehand.com, and then at Midnight on 102.5 FM, their website, and their app on your smartphone. We will still be bringing you our most popular segments including Stats, The Dish, What Grinds Your Gears and all of our humor and info. Justin and I are looking forward to expanding the show and hope you will join us, and Has Been Sports, as we continue to grow.

As almost all Preds Fans are aware, The Predators have matched the offer sheet for Shea Weber.  An email was sent to all the Preds subscribers, and I contacted Sean Henry and asked permission to share with everyone else as well.  Below are the letters from Tom Ciggaran , Chairman of the Predators and Sean Henry, President and COO of the Nashville Predators. 

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Many of you know the struggles the University of Alabama- Huntsville Chargers hockey team have endured over the past year.  But, D-1 NCAA hockey will be back in Huntsville.  

I am so honored to pass along this letter from Sebastian Geoffrion of the Chargers:

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The NHL Awards are on tonight!  The red carpet ceremony is already underway.  The Awards are 6 P.M central time on NBC Sports. 

The Nashville Predators are up for awards in 4 Categories, and a bonus with Pekka Rinne as a finalist for the EA Sports NHL13 Cover. 

For an in depth look at my picks for each award , tune into the last edition of Monday Night Forehand HERE. from About the 9:05 mark Justin and I provide our guesses. Here are the awards with a Preds Focus.  Tune in throughout the night and I will update with the winners of Each:

EA Cover Vote:   Pekka Rinne, Claude Giroux

Winner: 

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Shea Weber, Zdeno Chara, Erik Karlsson

Winner: Erik Karlsson

General Manager of the Year:  David Poile, Doug Armstrong, Dale Tallon

Winner: Doug Armstrong

NHL Foundation Award:  Mike Fisher, John-Michael Liles, Matt Moulson

Winner: MIKE FISHER

Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne, Jonathan Quick, Henrik Lundqvist

Winner: Henrik Lundqvist

Finally here is the channel lineup for NBC Sports in the Nashville area.

Uverse TV - Nashville - Digital

Channel 640Channel 1640

Comcast - Nashville - Digital

Channel 50Channel 1607

4DTV

Channel W5287

C-Band

Channel G7-21

DIRECTV Nashville

Channel 603Channel 603

DIRECTV

Channel 603Channel 603

DISH Nashville

Channel 159Channel 9466Channel 159

DISH Network

Channel 159Channel 159Channel 9466

     Even though the Eastern Conference is still sorting through various game 7s, the Predators have known for a few days now, that they will play the Phoenix Coyotes in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  This matchup will prove to be a goaltending battle. Both Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith are playing hot right now, the main difference is Pekka has been playing lights out good for a couple seasons, and Mike Smith just caught this groove the end of this season.  Pekka is the “veteran” Goaltender in this series with Smith playing in his first playoffs. The key will be to just keep creating chances against Smith. My impression is the Coyotes don’t really have deep scoring and rely more on Defense and goaltending.  Preds will need to capitalize, and bring 3-4 scoring lines to wear them out.

     All that being said, you know your friends at Has Been Sports love to have a good time. You also know Justin and I from Monday Night Forehand like to get loud and proud when we watch hockey,  So, we got some parties set up for you!

     Friday night, April 27, the Puck drops on Game 1 in Phoenix.  Right now it looks like the estimated start time is 8pm Central. 

    We have teamed up with Nobody’s Grille in Murfreesboro.  Nobody’s will have the game on with sound. They have two giant TVs in the main room, along with the entire main room wall, bar, sunroom, and game room area walls also lined with televisions.   Nobody’s is also offering some great game day specials.

3.99 Loaded Potato skins

4.99 Smoked Wings

4.99 Big Ben Nachos.  That’s right. BIG BEN NACHOS!

Plus: FREE BEER. Yes Every time the Preds score you will get a free cup of Bud Light or Miller Light if you are wearing your Preds jersey.   

     You can also call Nobody’s at 615-962-8019 and make reservations , just tell them you are part of the Has Been Sports watch party.

     Then on Sunday, we take the party up I-24 and head to Buffalo Wild Wings in Smyrna on Sam Ridley Parkway.   Right now the game looks like it will be a 7:00 PM start.  Buffalo Wild Wings will have the game on with sound piped in as well.  

     We will have Game 2 on all the big screen televisions and as many or all of the TVs surrounding the restaurant. No, Big Ben is not taking on the Blazing Wing Challenge. Beating it once was enough, trust me. But you are invited to, and we will all cheer you on. I will even offer you strategy and tips and coach you if you are really interested in it. Heck we will even video it and youtube it for you!

   So, no matter what your other weekend plans are, make sure your weekend begins and ends with Monday Night Forehand and Has Been Sports.   We can’t wait to cheer on the Nashville Predators and hope you will join us. 

Lots of support so far the auctions and wristbands.  

There are 2 days remaining in the next auction. 

This auction includes the Hal Gill Hat Trick- 3 pucks signed by Gill. Includes Preds, Penguins, and Canadiens. 

There is also a mini goalie helmet signed by Pekka Rinne, Anders Lindback, and goaltending coach Mitch Korn.

There are also pucks signed by Paul Gaustad, Shea Weber, Mike Fisher,and Pekka Rinne.

 The auction is at: http://www.32auctions.com/Pucks

The ID is ” pucks” 

the Password is “Belak” 

Here is the Round 1 Western Conference Preds vs Wings Schedule!!!!! 

(all times Eastern)   

Includes the Tv Networks— Not listed is all games not nationally televised should be on FS-TN, I will try to confirm. 

 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 20128 P.M.DETROIT AT NASHVILLE  CNBC, CBC

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 20127:30 P.M.DETROIT AT NASHVILLE   CNBC, CBC

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012NOONNASHVILLE AT DETROIT NBC, CBC

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 20127:30 P.M.NASHVILLE AT DETROIT NBC SPORTS NETWORK, CBC*

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 20128 P.M.DETROIT AT NASHVILLE CNBC, CBC*

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012TBDNASHVILLE AT DETROIT TBD*

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012TBDDETROIT AT NASHVILLE TBD 

Stay tuned to Bigben.section303.com and hasbeensports.weebly.com because we WILL be bringing you away game watch parties!

On Friday, the Nashville Predators are taking on the Detroit Red Wings. This game is huge the two teams, along with the Blackhawks are fighting for spots 4,5 and 6 in the standings. Has Been Sports and Monday Night Forehand want YOU to take on the Wings, too. We have set up a watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings on Sam Ridley Parkway in Smyrna.
We will have tables reserved/set aside in the bar area and the game will be on with sound. In addition, there will be….FREE BEER SAMPLES. Yes, The Beer Girls from either Miller or Sam Adams will be on hand giving out samples. If this still isn’t enough to entice you, you can come out and watch Big Ben take on the Blazing Challenge.
When I shaved my head for St. Baldricks, I made the claim if I met my goal, I would tackle this challenge. Friday will be the big night. Sometime either in the 2nd intermission or right when the game ends, I will attempt to eat 12 of the Blazing wings, with no napkins,drinks, ranch etc.. i should point out in testing I made it through 3. But now I know what to expect. I also have formed a plan not only for the attack but also the recovery as well. Justin will be recording the challenge as well for you tube. We will also do a live podcast from the party and possibly live blogging as well. Come out, enjoy the game, have some wings, watch me do one of the top 5 stupidest things in my life, and all around have a good time. Plus I will have the Wade Belak scholarship fund wristbands and who knows, we may even have some give aways.

Buffalo Wild Wings is on Sam Ridley Parkway in Smyrna TN. The game starts at 630pm Central time.

Monday Night Forehand is pleased to announce the Has Been Sports Hockey Day Party. On Saturday, March 31 The Bridgestone Arena will be host to not one but TWO exciting hockey events. With so much hockey, we are proclaiming the day Hockey Day!

At 1pm the Vanderbilt and University of Tennessee (Knoxville) ice hockey clubs face off in the “Battle of I-40”. This FREE game has previously been held at Centennial Sportsplex but is moving to the larger venue with the hopes of increasing attendance. We will meet at the arena then find a section to take over once we get inside (No matter which team you’re cheering for). After the Collegiate tilt, we have reserved the private room at the Hilton Sports Grille. Anyone who follows Big Ben and Justin know this is a favorite Pre-game location. We will party and get pumped for the main event that evening, Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks. The Predators are returning home for this  Central Division heavyweight bout after the toughest stretch on their schedule all season.

Starting on Saturday March 24, the Preds take on the Winnipeg Jets at home (Win 3-1). The team then flies to Chicago for a Sunday March 25 matchup against the Blackhawks. Then on Tuesday 27th, Preds are on the road against the Blues. Friday March 30th sees the Preds take on the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit, before returning for the Blackhawks match. This week will be extremely demanding on the Preds and will probably determine their Playoff seed. Fans will need to bring their A-game as well. We know that the Chicago bandwagon will be bringing lots of fans downtown and to the game, So this is a chance for Predator fans to meet up and get ready for a rocking night.

The Sports Grille is located on 5th Avenue directly across from the Bridgestone Arena in the Hilton Hotel. They feature a range of food and drinks with plenty of TVs as well. So come spend your afternoon with Has Been Sports and enjoy a full day of hockey!

Here are the links to the various auctions. All auctions go to the Andie and Alex Belak Scholarship fund. All Athletes/celebrities who have autographed items are aware of the auction and cause. They have all been extremely supportive.

Preds Presses (Original Auction)

www.32auctions.com/Belak the ID and PW is Belak.

2ND Auction (pucks and Misc. items)

www.32auctions.com/Pucks

ID: Pucks PW : Belak

Pucks auction includes items by Mike Fisher, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Hal Gill, Pekka Rinne, Anders Lindback, Jordin Tootoo, Paul Gaustad, and more. It is also more than just pucks!

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated items, as well as bid so far. I am continuing to accept items, if you are interested in donating items please email me bigbenpreds@gmail.com

For more information on the Wade Belak wristbands, click HERE.

I am not affiliated with the Nashville Predators organization in any way. Just a die hard fan. This auction as well as wristband sales are my personal way of trying to help give back to the family of my Friend and Hero, Wade Belak. I make no claim of endorsement by any NHL organization, player, or by any charity. Just a guy trying to help out.

for my hair.        And you can help.   On Friday March 16, 2012. I am shaving my head for the St. Baldricks .  

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Tonight, not only do the Predators face off in a divisional matchup, BUT the team is also hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night. 

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Here are the links to the various auctions. All auctions go to the Andie and Alex Belak Scholarship fund.    All Athletes/celebrities who have autographed items are aware of the auction and cause. They have all been extremely supportive.  

Preds Presses (Original Auction)

www.32auctions.com/Belak        the ID and PW is Belak.

 2ND Auction (pucks and Misc. items)

www.32auctions.com/Pucks

ID: Pucks  PW : Belak

Pucks auction includes items by Mike Fisher, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Hal Gill, Pekka Rinne, Anders Lindback, Jordin Tootoo, Paul Gaustad, and more.  It is also more than just pucks!

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I’ve answered the call to be a hero! I’m having my head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures. Please support me with a donation to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U. S. government. Your gift will give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. So when I ask for your support, I’m really asking you to support these kids. Thank you!   Check out my page HERE